10 Characteristics of Hypocrites According to Islam, Must Know and Must Avoid

Kapanlagi.com - Hypocrisy is one of the despicable traits that must be avoided. Even in Islam, hypocrisy is a trait that is hated by Allah SWT. However, in any religion, hypocrisy should still be avoided. Because hypocrisy can harm oneself and others. To avoid this bad trait, we need to know the characteristics of hypocritical people.

Hypocrisy is the characteristic of someone who likes to show the truth in front of many people, even though it is not in accordance with their heart and actions. In Islam, there are many discussions about hypocrisy, starting from the Quran to hadiths. One hadith from Abu Hurairah radhiyallahu'anhu, the Prophet once mentioned three characteristics of hypocritical people, namely lying, breaking promises, and betraying.

However, it turns out that the characteristics of hypocritical people are not only those three. However, there are still several things that can be the characteristics of a hypocritical person. What are they? Summarized from various sources, here is the review.

1. Lying

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As mentioned earlier, one of the characteristics of a hypocrite is lying. However, lying or deception is not recommended in any religion. But hypocrites are not hesitant to spread lies. In fact, sometimes hypocrites lie just to impress others. 

2. Breaking Promises

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The second characteristic of a hypocrite is breaking promises. This is still related to the previous characteristics. Hypocrites tend to easily break promises with fabricated lies as excuses. In the end, it is these traits of lying and breaking promises that make hypocrites untrustworthy.

3. If Trusted Betrayed

Hypocrites are indeed a group that cannot be trusted. In fact, hypocrites are not reluctant to betray and betray the trust that has been given to them. In addition to lying and breaking promises, betrayal is one of the characteristics of hypocrites mentioned directly by the Prophet Muhammad through his hadiths. 

4. Two-faced

People who have hypocritical traits also tend to be two-faced. This is because hypocrites do not have strong principles. In fact, there are hypocrites who doubt the truth of Islam. This is as stated in the following verse of Allah.

"And when they meet those who believe, they say, 'We have believed.' But when they are alone with their evil ones, they say, 'Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers.'" (Quran, Al-Baqarah verse 14).

5. Lazy in Worship

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Hypocrites may appear to be obedient and diligent in worship in the eyes of others. However, in their hearts, they actually feel lazy and burdened to worship. As stated in the following verse of Allah:

"Verily, the hypocrites deceive Allah, and Allah will punish their deceit. And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily" (Surah An-Nisa' verse 142).

6. Justifying All Means

Hypocrites also tend to be cunning and justify all means to achieve their goals. In their daily lives, hypocrites often spread deception.

"And among the people are those who say, 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day,' while they are not believers. They deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves without realizing it. In their hearts is disease, so Allah has increased their disease; and they will have a painful punishment because they have been lying" (Surah Al-Baqarah verses 8-10).

7. Riya'

Riya' is one of the reprehensible acts that must be avoided. It turns out that riya' is also considered one of the characteristics of a hypocrite. This is contained in the following verse:

"Indeed, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but it is He who deceives them. And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing off to the people and not remembering Allah except a little" (Surah An-Nisa' verse 142).

8. Proud of Committed Sins

In truth, committing sins is a disgrace. As believers, we must conceal it with repentance and promise not to repeat it. But it is different for hypocrites. For them, committing certain sins is something to be proud of. They will continue to seek justification to be able to commit those sins continuously.

This is as stated in the following excerpt of a verse:

"And [mention] when Abraham prayed, 'My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits - whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day.' [Allah] said. 'And whoever disbelieves - I will grant him enjoyment for a little; then I will force him to the punishment of the Fire, and wretched is the destination'" (Surah Al-Baqarah verse 126).

9. Envy

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Another reprehensible act that could be a characteristic of a hypocrite is envy. A hypocrite will have a diseased heart in the form of envy and jealousy, even though they never show it. The explanation regarding this can be found in the following verse:

"If you have received good, (certainly) they will be saddened, but if you are afflicted with a disaster, they will rejoice in it. If you are patient and righteous, their deception will not harm you at all. Indeed, Allah encompasses all that they do." (Quran Al-Imran verse 120).

10. Hastily Performing Prayer

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It turns out that the characteristic of a hypocrite can also be seen from how they worship, especially when performing prayer. Hypocrites tend to perform prayer hastily, without being focused. These characteristics were directly conveyed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

"That is the prayer of a hypocrite. That is the prayer of a hypocrite. That is the prayer of a hypocrite. (Namely) they wait for the sun to almost set, then they stand up (for Asr prayer), then they rush (without any focus) through four units of prayer, without remembering Allah in it except very little." (Narrated by Muslim).

Those are among the 10 signs of a hypocrite. May we be protected from various reprehensible acts that are indicated above. Amen.

(kpl/psp)