In particular...

In particular, there are two Surahs in the Noble Qur’an that refer to some of the companions as hypocrites: Surah 9 ( al-Tawbah or The Repentance) and Surah 63 ( al-Munafiqeen or The Hypocrites). In Surahtul Munafiqeen, the Noble Qur’an teaches that people should not be judged by their physical appearance, or even by their public actions, but rather by their sincerity and dedication to Allah, His Prophet, and the Muslim nation.

This Surah says, “And when you look at them, their bodies please you, and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are as blocks of wood, propped up. They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies. So beware of them; may Allah curse them.

How are they denying the right path?” [^3] These are the disobedient whom Allah will not forgive on the Day of Judgment, according to the Noble Qur’an, “It is equal for them whether you () ask forgiveness for them or do not ask forgiveness for them. Allah will not forgive them.

Verily, Allah guides not the people who are rebellious, disobedient to Allah.” [^4] Although they performed the prayers and gave alms ( zakat ), these acts stemmed from their hypocrisy and desire to show off and were not for the sake of Allah.

The Qur’an also says, “And nothing prevents their contributions from being accepted except that they disbelieved in Allah and in His Messenger and that they came to prayers only in a lazy state, and that they only offer contributions (zakat) unwillingly.” [^5] Even when praying behind the Prophet himself, whenever a trade caravan would enter Madina, these hypocrites would leave their position in the prayer row to watch the caravan, rather than listen to the sermon of the Prophet of Allah.

The Qur’an states, “And when they see some merchandise, or some amusement, they disperse headlong to it, and leave you (Muhammad) standing (while delivering the Friday jum’ah congregational religious sermon).

Say: that which Allah has is better than any amusement or merchandise, and Allah is the best of providers.” [^6] According to historical reports, some of these hypocrites who posed as the Prophet’s “companions” were actually plotting to kill him.[^7] The Noble Qur’an mentions that they had schemed to start a civil war in Madina: Verily, they had plotted sedition before and had upset matters for you—until the truth (victory) came, and the Decree of Allah became manifest though they hated it.