when he is trusted he betrays his trust, when he talks he lies, when he makes a covenant he acts treacherously, and when he quarrels he deviates from the truth.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Exposition of the Hadith on Hypocritical Character
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, also documented in Mishkat al-Masabih 56, describes the reprehensible characteristics that severely blemish one's Faith (Iman). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) identified these as the clear signs of a hypocrite (Nifaq).
Scholarly Commentary on the Four Traits
1. Betrayal of Trust (Khiyanah): When a person is entrusted with something—wealth, a secret, or a responsibility—and he betrays that trust, it indicates a fundamental weakness in faith. The believer (Mu'min) is defined by fulfilling his trusts, as Allah says, "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due" (Quran 4:58). Betrayal severs the bonds of community and brotherhood.
2. Lying in Speech (Kadhib): When he speaks, he lies. Truthfulness (Sidq) is the cornerstone of faith and the opposite of hypocrisy. The believer's inner state must match his outward speech. Lying leads to corruption in one's heart, actions, and society, and it distances a person from the guidance of Allah.
3. Treachery in Covenants (Ghadr): When he makes a promise or a covenant, he acts treacherously. This applies to agreements between people and the ultimate covenant with Allah. Fulfilling promises is a sign of righteousness, as the Prophet was known as "Al-Amin" (the Trustworthy) even before his prophethood. Treachery is a characteristic of those condemned by Allah.
4. Deviation in Dispute (Fujur): When he quarrels, he deviates from the truth. Instead of seeking what is right, he uses falsehood, slander, and invalid arguments to win, transgressing the bounds set by Allah. The believer is commanded to be just, even against his own soul.
The Distinction Between Major and Minor Hypocrisy
The scholars clarify that possessing these traits constitutes "Minor Hypocrisy" (Nifaq al-'Amali), which is a major sin that corrupts one's deeds but does not expel one from the fold of Islam entirely. It stands in contrast to "Major Hypocrisy" (Nifaq al-I'tiqadi), which is the hidden disbelief of those who outwardly profess Islam while concealing disbelief in their hearts. The one who has these traits is warned that he is imbibing the character of the true hypocrites and must sincerely repent and rectify his conduct.