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What is the explanation of the two hadiths reported from Abu Hurairah and Abdullah bin Amr regarding the signs of a hypocrite, and what is the meaning of "if he disputes, he behaves immorally/wickedly"?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The characteristics of a hypocrite are summarized in the noble prophetic traditions with three or four traits: lying in speech, breaking promises, betraying trusts, treachery in covenants, and wickedness during disputes. These traits were among the most prominent features of the hypocrites during the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. If a Muslim possesses any of these traits, he is characterized by the reprehensible qualities of hypocrites, and he acquires an amount of hypocrisy commensurate with his actions. This is what scholars call "practical hypocrisy." Practical hypocrisy does not entirely remove its possessor from faith; rather, he is sinful and deserving of punishment, unlike ideological hypocrisy, which outwardly displays Islam while inwardly concealing disbelief. Scholars have differed in interpreting these traditions, offering several views, including that they are by way of simile and metaphor, or that they refer to practical hypocrisy rather than ideological hypocrisy, or that they are a warning against committing these traits. Most scholars have agreed that these characteristics are not exclusive to hypocrites but are rather examples. Wickedness in disputes means deliberately deviating from the truth to present falsehood as truth or vice versa. These traditions indicate that a Muslim may combine traits of good and evil, and of faith and hypocrisy.

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

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