Hadith on Hypocrisy from Sahih al-Bukhari

"Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, 'The signs of a hypocrite are three: Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie; and whenever he promises, he breaks his promise; and whenever he is entrusted, he betrays (proves to be dishonest)'." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6095)

Scholarly Commentary on the Three Signs

This profound hadith from the chapter "Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab)" identifies the distinguishing characteristics of nifaq (hypocrisy) in one's conduct. The Prophet (ﷺ) outlines three fundamental traits that manifest in a person's dealings with others.

First: Lying in speech. The hypocrite's tongue is divorced from truth, speaking falsehood without restraint. Scholars explain this indicates a corrupted heart that doesn't fear Allah in speech.

Second: Breaking promises. When a hypocrite makes a commitment, he readily violates it, showing disregard for his word and the rights of others. This demonstrates untrustworthiness in social covenants.

Third: Betraying trusts. The hypocrite proves dishonest when given responsibility, violating the amanah (trust) placed in him. This is among the gravest signs, as trust is the foundation of Muslim society.

Levels of Hypocrisy in Islamic Scholarship

Classical scholars distinguish between major hypocrisy (nifaq i'tiqadi) - hiding disbelief while professing Islam - and minor hypocrisy (nifaq 'amali) - exhibiting hypocritical behavior while maintaining faith. This hadith primarily addresses the latter.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that possessing one of these traits imbues a person with a characteristic of hypocrisy, while having all three makes the resemblance complete. However, this doesn't necessarily render one a complete hypocrite in belief.

The purpose of this teaching is preventative - to help believers recognize and purify themselves from these destructive qualities that undermine individual character and social harmony.