The similitude of a hypocrite is that of a sheep which roams aimlessly between two flocks. She goes to one at one time and to the other at another time.
The Parable Explained
This profound analogy from Sahih Muslim 2784 a illustrates the spiritual instability of the hypocrite. Just as a confused sheep wanders between two flocks without firm commitment, the hypocrite oscillates between faith and disbelief, never settling upon true conviction.
Spiritual Instability
The hypocrite's heart remains in perpetual confusion, resembling the aimless sheep that cannot decide which flock to join. At times he displays apparent faith when among believers, yet his heart inclines toward disbelief when among disbelievers.
This duality prevents him from attaining the tranquility and certainty that comes with sincere faith. His condition is one of perpetual internal conflict and external inconsistency.
Warning Against Hypocrisy
This hadith from "Characteristics of The Hypocrites And Rulings Concerning Them" serves as a grave warning against the disease of hypocrisy (nifāq). The believer must strive for spiritual consistency and avoid the wavering nature that characterizes the hypocrite.
True faith requires wholehearted commitment to Allah and His religion, not the opportunistic shifting between positions that marks the hypocritical disposition.