There is no doubt that hypocrisy and hypocrites were not something special to the age of the Prophet (s). This group exists in all societies, but they must be recognized by accounted signs which the Quran gives so that loss does not incur. In the previous verses, and in Sūrah Munāfiqūn, as well as Islamic traditions various signs of hypocrites have been mentioned.[1] For example:

 

A. A lot of commotion and claims of grandeur – in short, big words and small actions.

 

B. Taking on the ‘color’ of whatever environment he is in – speaking in a way that each society likes, saying ‘we believe’ to the believers and ‘we are with you’ to the opposition.

 

C. Accounting for themselves in a different way than they account for the people and establishing secret societies with specified plans.

 

D. Being sly, lying, kissing up to people in power, breaking oaths, and treason.

 

E. Thinking that they are better than others, thinking that the people are unaware, calling other’s simple-minded while considering themselves to be intelligent.

 

Summary: The dual personalities and the opposition between one’s appearance and one’s heart, which are the clear characteristics of a hypocrite, cause one’s actions and sayings to be two-sided – this is how they can be easily recognized.

 

What phrase is more beautiful than what the Quran says in the verses that we read “In their hearts is a disease.” What disease is worse than one’s appearance being different than his heart? Which disease is more painful than thinking that you are better than others and not having the strength to face the situation?

 

But, hypocrisy is just like a heart disease in which one cannot completely hide, no matter how hidden it is and the signs of it appear on man’s face and whole body – it is able to be recognized by various actions.

[1] Kafi, v.2, p.393, chapter: the characteristics of hypocrisy and the hypocrite (printed by Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyah); Bihar al-Anwar, v.69, p.172, chapter 103-hypocrisy; Gharar al-Hukam p.458, the second section in hypocrisy (printed by Intisharat Daftar Tablighat)