Hypocrites
Critic:-
You wrote in your article on the Human Condition:-
"There were conflicts and wars, the righteous Caliph was killed and
affairs passed into the hands of hypocrites."
The Quran states:- "And among those around you of
the wandering Arabs there are hypocrites, and among the townspeople of
al-Madinah (there are some who) persist in hypocrisy whom you (O Muhammad)
knowest not." 9:101
And clearly Allah says, "you know them not".
There should be some reason rather than stating, more
or less categorically, "the affairs of the Muslims passed into the hands
of hypocrites".
Comment:-
Thanks for the comment. I note your objection. Yes I
should have given reasons, but this would have lengthened the article I wanted
to be short. It also seemed to be rather self-evident, particularly as the
Prophet (saw) had predicted the corruption after the Four Righteous Caliphs.
But I am also little bewildered. The Quran says there
are hypocrites. It describes them.
The Quran tells us that the Prophet did not know some
of the hypocrites who were among his people, and you are implying that this
means there are no hypocrites later. The Quran describes the hypocrite and asks
us to strive against them, but you tell us it is futile?
Did the Islamic system as established by the Prophet
in Medina
collapse soon after his death because all the people were sincere and there
were no hypocrites?
A hypocrite is
(a) One who claims to be a Muslim but does not, in
fact, practice Islam, or
(b) One who outwardly appears to practice Islam for
show but his ideas are contrary to Islam and these manifest in his behaviour.
(c) A person may appear not to practice Islam but be
inwardly sincere - he strives but fails. Allah knows his inner state. We cannot
know this until the inner state reveals itself as it must.
(d) But it is also possible for a person to deceive
himself. He attributes good motives to himself while hiding his real evil
motives from himself. He rationalizes and makes excuses.
(e) It may also apply to spies and saboteurs or anyone
who deliberate tries to use friendliness in order to harm.
A study of the following verses will elucidate:-
"When the
hypocrites come to you, they say, "We bear witness that you are most
surely Allah's Messenger; Allah knows that you are most surely His Messenger,
and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are liars." 63:1
"O Prophet!
Strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites, and be hard against
them; and their abode is Hell; and evil is the destination." 66:9
"And He might
know those who are hypocrites; for it was said to them: "Come, fight in
Allah's way, or repel (the foe). But they said: If we knew how to fight we
would surely follow you."
3:167
"And when it is
said to them: Come round to what Allah has sent down and unto the Messenger,
you see the hypocrites turning from you in aversion." 4:61
"What ails you
that you have become two parties regarding the hypocrites, when Allah hath cast
them back for what they earned? Do ye wish to guide those whom Allah hath led
astray? Whoso Allah hath led astray ye shall surely find for him no path.
" 4:88
"The hypocrites
fear lest there be revealed against them a verse, exposing what is in their
hearts. Say: Mock ye! Verily, Allah is disclosing what ye fear! 9:64
"The hypocrites,
men and women, are of each other (influence, and agree with, each other, are
tied together), bidding what is wrong and forbidding what is right, and they
clench their hands (in anger to withhold charity, assistance, or power in the
cause of Allah). They forget Allah, so He has forgotten (ignored) them! Verily,
the hypocrites are the doers of abomination (rebellious and perverse). "
9:67
"O thou prophet!
Strive strenuously against the misbelievers and the hypocrites, and be stern
against them; for their ultimate resort is hell, an evil destination
indeed." 9:73
"O Prophet! Be
careful of (your duty to) Allah and do not comply with the wishes of the
misbelievers and the hypocrites; surely Allah is Knower, Wise;" 33:1
"And when the
hypocrites and those in whose hearts was a disease began to say,: Allah and His
Apostle did not promise us aught but delusion." 33:12
"And incline not
to the misbelievers and the hypocrites. Disregard their annoying talk, and rely
on Allah; and Allah is sufficient as a Trustee." 33:48
"Have you not
seen those who have become hypocrites? They say to those of their brethren who
disbelieve from among the followers of the Book (the Jews): If you are driven
forth, we shall certainly go forth with you, and we will never obey any one
against you, and if you are attacked, we will certainly help you. Allah bears
witness that they are most surely liars." 59:11
"They it is who
say: Do not spend upon those who are with the Messenger of Allah. hoping that
they will disperse (or break up). But to Allah belong the treasures of the
heavens and the earth, and the hypocrites understand not." 63:7
"They say: If we
return to Medina,
the mighty will surely drive out the weaker there from; but Might belongs to
Allah, and to His Messenger and to the believers, but the hypocrites know
not." 63:8
Critic:-
The Shiahs do assume the right to judge people in this
manner and declare kufr upon whoever opposes their party. Opposition to the
party is proof enough for them. They do this on their own responsibility and
have no way to defend their actions in the Shariah.
Comment:-
So everything is to be made into a source of
sectarianism?
I repeat, I am not at all interested in what sect
believes what or does what - I am interested only in whether something is true,
good, useful in accord with the Quran or not.
So if I have said something untrue, evil or harmful
then as soon as I become convinced of this I will repent.
----------<O>----------
Contents