Hadith Text & Reference

"Four characteristics constitute anyone who possesses them a sheer hypocrite, and anyone who possesses one of them possesses a characteristic of hypocrisy till he abandons it: when he talks he lies, when he makes a promise he violates it, when he makes a covenant he acts treacherously, and when he quarrels, he deviates from the Truth."

Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 4688 | Book: Model Behavior of the Prophet (Kitab Al-Sunnah)

Scholarly Commentary

This profound hadith delineates the distinguishing marks of nifaq (hypocrisy) in one's character and conduct. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) identifies four traits that, when combined, render a person a complete hypocrite in behavior, even if they profess faith outwardly.

1. Lying in Speech: The scholars explain that habitual lying contradicts the very essence of faith, which requires truthfulness. Al-Nawawi states that lying is forbidden except in three specific circumstances: reconciling people, wartime deception, and between spouses to preserve harmony.

2. Breaking Promises: Islamic jurisprudence emphasizes that fulfilling promises is a religious obligation. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that breaking promises without valid excuse demonstrates weakness in faith and disregard for one's religious commitments.

3. Betraying Trusts: When one enters into covenants or agreements, fulfilling them is obligatory. Al-Qurtubi explains that treachery in covenants includes both religious and worldly matters, whether with Muslims or non-Muslims with whom one has treaties.

4. Deviating from Truth in Disputes: Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali clarifies that this refers to knowingly arguing for falsehood, using invalid evidence, or employing deceptive rhetoric to overcome an opponent rather than seeking truth.

The wisdom in mentioning these four specifically is that they represent the core manifestations of the hypocrite's inner contradiction between their outward appearance and inward reality.

Spiritual Implications

The phrase "anyone who possesses one of them possesses a characteristic of hypocrisy" indicates that these are gradational sins. One should not be labeled a hypocrite in belief (nifaq i'tiqadi) for committing these acts, but rather these are characteristics of behavioral hypocrisy (nifaq 'amali).

As Imam Al-Ghazali explains in Ihya Ulum al-Din, the presence of any of these traits requires immediate repentance and self-reformation. The qualifier "till he abandons it" gives hope that through sincere tawbah (repentance) and istighfar (seeking forgiveness), one can purify themselves from these blameworthy characteristics.

This hadith serves as a mirror for self-examination, urging believers to constantly assess their conduct and align their outward actions with their inward faith.