It is, however, noteworthy that the question of hypocrisy...

It is, however, noteworthy that the question of hypocrisy and hypocrites is not particular to the time of the Noble Prophet (S) since any society, particularly the revolutionary society, confronts it. Therefore, the Qur’anic analytical treatment of the subject, not only as a historical question but also as some current affair, requires precise scrutiny so that such treatment may inspire confrontation with the spirit of hypocrisy and hypocritical lines in the Islamic societies in modern times.

The hypocrites tokens, extensively reflected in the Holy Qur’an, are to be accurately comprehended so that such tokens may lead Muslims to reveal their lines and stratagems.

Another point of significance is that the challenge posed to any society by hypocrites is worse than any enmity since it is not facile at all times to recognize them on the one hand and they are domestic enemies on the other such that they infiltrate within the innermost of the society such that it is quite hard to screen them. Furthermore, their interrelations with the other members of the society pose a harder challenge in confronting them.

Consequently, the Islamic society has received the worst blows by the hypocrites and it is for the same reason that the Holy Qur’an poses the harshest challenges to them and attacks them worse than any other foe. The Holy Qur’an herein opens with the hypocrites’ pretense to belief constituting the pivot of their hypocrisy.

The blessed Verse in question is saying that "When the hypocrites come unto you, they say: 'We bear witness that you are verily Allah's Messenger.' Allah knows that you are His Messenger and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are liars." Thus, the first token of hypocrisy is revealed which is the difference between inward intentions and outward conduct. Hypocrites emphatically claim to be believers but their hearts entertains no belief.

Fabricating such lies falls into the two categories of true and untrue claims and doctrinal truth and untruth. In other words, the criterion for the former is to assay whether or not the claims conform to truth. The latter, dealing with conformity or non-conformity to beliefs, reflects that if one reports something which conforms to truth but it is against his beliefs, it is termed as doctrinal untruth. Nonetheless, if it conforms to his beliefs, it is truth.