Is hardness of heart hypocrisy, and what is the relationship between the two? What is the difference between hardness of heart, veiling [spiritual], alienation [from God], hypocrisy, and weakness of faith? Are they interrelated or separate? And what should a person do if these matters combine?
The illness of hypocrisy and hardness of heart do not necessarily coincide. Temporary hardness of heart due to worldly matters is not considered hypocrisy. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, clarified this to Hanzala and Abu Bakr, stating that the heart fluctuates between periods of devotion and lassitude, which is natural, and they should utilize the times of devotion. To get rid of ostentation (riya'), one must uproot its origins, which are love of status, position, and coveting what people possess, and strive against the self by disregarding the praise and blame of creation. As for the cure for hardness of heart, it is found in the Quran, faith and righteous deeds, avoiding sins, and repentance and seeking forgiveness.
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Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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