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The Many Pretenders of Faith [Munafiqun]
It is reported that Al-Hasan Al-Basrî – Allâh have mercy on him – used to say, “If it were not for the munâfiqûn, you would feel all alone in the streets (the streets would be empty).”
It is also reported that Al-Sha’bî – Allâh have mercy on him – said the same thing, “If it were not for the munâfiqûn, you would feel all alone in the streets (the streets would be empty).”
It is reported that Mâlik b. Dînâr – Allâh’s mercy be upon him – said, “I swear, if the munâfiqûn started growing tails, the believers wouldn’t find a spot of ground to walk on.”
Ibn Battah, Al-Ibânah Al-Kubrâ articles 936-938.
Related posts:
- A False testimony of Faith [hypocrisy and the shahadah]
- Heresy and Hypocrisy [the company you keep]
- Guilty by Association
- Isn’t this that time?
- Falsehood that leads to Falsehood [Al-Kalam, dialectical, speculative theology]
May 15, 2009 - الجمعة 22 جمادى الأولى 1430
Names: Al-Sha’bî, Al-Hasan Al-Basrî, Mâlik b. Dînâr
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Is there a tafsir for these Hadeeths? How do they know who were the Munafeeq?
Notice that there is no attempt in these narrations to identifiy individuals as munafiqeen. The intent behind these sayings, and others similar to them, is to point out how widespread nifaq would become in the ummah. This is generally agreed upon by scholars.
Allah knows best.
But they were in the early generations so how could be nifâq be so widespread then?
This is to do with the expansion of Islam and the existence of people who did not believe but wanted to protect their own interests. The scholars say in Makkah at the tine of the Prophet – Allah's peace and praise be upon him, there were no munafiqun because Muslims were being persecuted and people saw no benefit in pretending to be Muslim. As Islam gained power, in Medina and afterward, those who were unbelievers at heart but wanted to protect their worldly interests by integrating with the Muslims became more in number. This continued to be the case as Islamic rule expanded and more nations came under Islam. The existence of munafiqun is a test and reminder to the believers. Remember that there were munafiqun who attempted to harm the Prophet himself in Medina, and that was the best of all times.