Juz 18: Al-Muʾminūn to Al-Furqān 20
Section 16 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
16. Contrast Between Hypocrites and True Believers
After presenting the cosmic signs of His sovereignty, Allah (swt) directs attention to the human response to divine guidance, drawing a sharp contrast between hypocrites (munafiqeen) and true believers.
Allah (swt) begins by affirming the clarity of His guidance:
لَّقَدْ أَنزَلْنَا آيَاتٍ مُّبَيِّنَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ يَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
“We have sent down enlightening verses, and Allah guides whom He wills to the straight path.”
The verses of the Quran are described as mubayinat (clear, enlightening), leaving no excuse for misunderstanding. Despite this clarity, divine guidance ultimately reaches only those whom Allah (swt) wills to guide – those whose hearts are receptive and sincere.
The contrast begins with the exposure of hypocrites:
وَيَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَبِالرَّسُولِ وَأَطَعْنَا ثُمَّ يَتَوَلَّىٰ فَرِيقٌ مِّنْهُم مِّن بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ ۚ وَمَا أُولَٰئِكَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ
“They say, 'We believe in Allah and in the Messenger, and we obey.' Then, a group of them goes back after all this. Those are no believers.”
The hypocrites claim faith and obedience with their tongues, but their subsequent actions reveal their insincerity. They retreat from their commitments when faced with situations that test their faith. These individuals cannot be counted among the true believers, as their faith lacks substance and commitment. Such was the case with the hypocrites of Madinah who, under the leadership of Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salul, would outwardly profess belief while secretly undermining the Muslim community.
Their response to divine judgment further exposes their hypocrisy:
وَإِذَا دُعُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَهُمْ إِذَا ف
“When they are summoned to Allah and His messenger that he (the messenger) may judge between them, in no time a group of them turns averse.” (24:48)