Read Surah 63: Al-Munafiqun (The Hypocrites) with English translation and comments. Understand its warnings about hypocrisy, deceit, and false appearances in faith.
Surah 63: Al-Munāfiqūn (The Hypocrites)
Introduction
Surah Al-Munāfiqūn is the 63rd chapter of the Holy Qur’an, revealed in Madinah, and contains 11 verses. The word “Al-Munāfiqūn” means “The Hypocrites” and refers to those who pretended to be Muslims outwardly but concealed disbelief in their hearts. This Surah exposes their falsehood, highlights their deceitful behaviour, and warns believers against being influenced by them. It describes how the hypocrites would outwardly acknowledge the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) yet secretly work against him and the Muslim community. The Surah also warns believers not to let worldly possessions and family ties distract them from the remembrance of Allah and urges them to give charity before death arrives. It closes with a reminder that when the appointed time of death comes, no delay will be granted.
Surah 63: Al-Munāfiqūn (The Hypocrites): Text
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. When the hypocrites come to you, they say, “We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.” Allah knows that you are truly His Messenger, and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are surely liars.
2. They use their oaths as a shield, and so they turn others away from the path of Allah. Truly, what they do is evil.
3. That is because they believed, then disbelieved, so their hearts have been sealed, and they do not understand.
4. When you look at them, their appearance pleases you; and if they speak, you listen to their words. They are like pieces of wood propped up. They think every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them—how they are deluded!
5. And when it is said to them, “Come, so that the Messenger of Allah may seek forgiveness for you,” they turn their heads away, and you see them turning aside in arrogance.
6. It is the same for them whether you seek forgiveness for them or do not seek forgiveness for them—Allah will never forgive them. Surely Allah does not guide the rebellious people.
7. They are the ones who say, “Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah until they leave him.” But to Allah belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth, yet the hypocrites do not understand.
8. They say, “If we return to Madinah, the more honoured will surely drive out the more humble.” But all honour belongs to Allah, and to His Messenger, and to the believers—yet the hypocrites do not know.
9. O you who believe! Do not let your wealth and your children distract you from the remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that—it is they who will be the losers.
10. And spend from what We have provided for you before death comes to one of you and he says, “My Lord, if only You would give me a little more time, I would give charity and be among the righteous.”
11. But Allah will never delay a soul when its appointed time has come. And Allah is fully aware of what you do. 0 0 0
Comment
This Surah is both a warning and a guide. It warns about the danger posed by hypocrisy within the Muslim community—people who may look impressive and speak well but whose hearts are empty of true faith. Their dishonesty not only harms themselves but can also harm the unity and strength of the believers. The Surah teaches that faith is not about mere words or appearance; it is about the sincerity of the heart and obedience to Allah. It also shifts the focus to personal responsibility, reminding believers that wealth and children—though blessings—can become distractions from worship if not handled properly. The closing verses give a final wake-up call: death can come at any moment, so one must act righteously now, without delay. In essence, this Surah urges believers to live with sincerity, awareness, and readiness to meet Allah at any time. 0 0 0
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FAQs on Surah Al-Munafiqun
Q: What is Surah Al-Munafiqun about?
A: Surah Al-Munafiqun exposes the behavior of hypocrites—those who claim faith outwardly but conceal disbelief inwardly—and warns believers against their deceit.
Q: Why is Surah Al-Munafiqun called “The Hypocrites”?
A: The Surah is named after the hypocrites it describes, highlighting their lies, arrogance, and attempts to deceive the Prophet and the Muslim community.
Q: How many verses are in Surah Al-Munafiqun and where was it revealed?
A: Surah Al-Munafiqun contains 11 verses and was revealed in Madinah, addressing the dangers of hypocrisy within the Muslim community.
Q: How does Surah Al-Munafiqun describe hypocrites’ speech?
A: The Surah Al-Munafiqun notes that hypocrites speak eloquently and convincingly, but their hearts are hollow, and their actions betray their false claims of faith.
Q: What comparison does Surah Al-Munafiqun use for hypocrites?
A: Hypocrites are compared to propped-up pieces of wood—appearing strong on the outside but empty within, showing their lack of sincerity and inner strength.
Q: What warning does Surah Al-Munafiqun give about wealth and children?
A: The Surah warns that wealth and children should not distract believers from remembering Allah. Hypocrites are attached to worldly life, unlike true believers who prioritize faith.
Q: How does Surah Al-Munafiqun expose the lies of hypocrites?
A: The Surah explains that hypocrites swear oaths to convince others of their sincerity, but Allah knows the reality of their hearts and exposes their deception.
Q: What is the consequence of hypocrisy according to Surah Al-Munafiqun?
A: Hypocrites are promised humiliation in this world and severe punishment in the Hereafter because of their lies, arrogance, and betrayal.
Q: What guidance does Surah Al-Munafiqun give to believers?
A: Believers are reminded to remain sincere in faith, avoid arrogance, and prioritize obedience to Allah over worldly status or wealth.
Q: How can Surah Al-Munafiqun guide Muslims today?
A: The Surah Al-Munafiqun warns Muslims to avoid hypocrisy by ensuring their words match their actions, keeping sincerity in worship, and guarding against arrogance and materialism. 0 0 0
