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How can the two noble verses: "And if they say, you will hear their saying" and "And you will surely recognize them by the tone of their speech" be reconciled?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Allah Almighty says regarding the hypocrites: "And when you see them, their physiques please you; and if they speak, you listen to their words. They are as if they were propped-up timbers." (Al-Munafiqun/4). Their physiques and words may impress you, but behind that there are no virtuous morals or sound guidance.

And He, glory be to Him, says: "And if We willed, We could show them to you, and you would know them by their marks; but you will surely know them by the tone of their speech. And Allah knows your deeds." (Muhammad/30). This means that if Allah willed, He could show you their persons, and you would discern what is in their hearts through their words, for no one conceals a secret but Allah will reveal it through the slips of their tongue.

And His saying (you listen to their words) does not mean listening with affirmation, but rather that their logic captivates listeners with its sweetness and eloquence. And despite their beautifying and falsifying their speech, it will nevertheless expose what is in their souls and hearts.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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