RKQS 1051 - REFLECTION ON PROPHETIC HISTORY KIRKHS, IIUM

1. MUNAFIQUN
(HYPROCRITES)
• Nifaq: Definition.
• Munafiqun in Madina: Signs.
• Stand of Munafiqun about the Prophet (s.a.w.).
• The Prophet’s dealing with Munafiqun

2. Literally:
A Munafiq is one who pretend to belong to the faction
which he really opposes.
Technically:
Who pretend to be a Muslim and hid his rejection to the faith.
Two faces
DEFINITION

3. • In Makkan period, there had been no need for hypocrisy. Islam was weak
and oppressed. Since to profess it cost a great deal of suffering, affliction
and sacrifice, only genuine persons dared to do so.
THE HISTORY OF MUNAFIQ
• However in Madina, to be a Muslim was to ride the winning horse. To fail
to declare oneself Muslim was to remain on the fringe of society. Since
there should be no compulsion in religion, according to Islam, the
question of persecuting non-Muslims did not arise. Therefore the group of
hypocrites arose.

4. Sources of the Sirah of the Prophet are unanimous in ascribing a leading role
to the Jews of Madina and to two prominent Yathribites in fostering
hypocrisy.
The growth of the Prophet’s authority threatened the vital commercial and
political interests of the Jews. Since their position of eminence in Madina was
secured by these interests, the Jews naturally came to the conclusion that they
must, by every means, resist the authority of the Prophet. One of their strategies
was to encourage disaffection amongst the native Yathribites and incite them to
opposition against Muslim rule.

5. • The Jews found their willing partners in this mischief-making, and that
group was led Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salül this man belonged to
Khazraj and has close relation with Jews.
• During the war between Aus and Khazraj in jahiliyyah, he was defended
by Jews in the battle of Hada’ik and Bu’ath.
• Ibn Ubayy worked hard to end the fratricidal strifeand achieved a partial
reconciliation between the two factions, which both recognized the
leadership of Ibn Ubayy. He occupied a high status in pre-Islamic
Madinan society, and his supporters aimed for him to become "king".

6. This aim was not realized, however, due to the arrival of Prophet (pbuh)
in 622.
Since Prophet (pbuh) came with a perfect way of life (Islam), and
superior than him in leadership (able to fully stop the fratricidal between
Aus and Khazraj and bring prosperity), Abdullah ibn Ubayy lost his
former position.
This provoked his jealousy and hostility, which he was careful to conceal.
He pretended to embrace Islam since he thought it is wiser to join than to
stand out against it.

7. HIS INTERVENTION IN ISLAMIC HISTORY
1) Banu Qaynuqa
In 624, the Muslims moved against the Jewish tribe of the Banu Qaynuqa and,
after a siege of 15 days, eventually forced them to surrender. Ibn Ubayy was
allied to the Qaynuqa and appealed to Prophet (pbuh) for leniency to be
shown to them but through a harsh way.
Ibn Ubayy grabbed hold of the top of Prophet's (pbuh) breast plate. provoking
his anger. Prophet (pbuh) said, "Let me go."

8. But Ibn Ubayy replied, "No. I will not let you go, until you has compassion
on my friends; 300 soldiers armed in mail, and 400 unequipped, they
defended me on the fields of Hadaick and Boath from every foe. Wilt you
cut them down in one day, O Muhammad? As for me, I am one verily that
fearest vicissitudes of fortune."
Prophet (pbuh) gave face to his request, and gave the Banu Qaynuqa three
days to leave the city with everything they has.

9. 2) Battle of Uhud.
In 626, Abdullah ibn Ubayy disembarked to Uhud with 1000 of Muslim
army. He brought his followers, including his Jewish allies. When Prophet
(pbuh) stopped and Mistarah, he inspected the army and disapprove the
participation of Jewish people in Muslims amy and instucted them to return.
Abdullah ibn Ubayy then chose to return to the city with 300 of his
followers, leaving Prophet (pbuh) with 700 strongs to face the 3000 Quraish
invaders.

10. 3) Banu Nadhir
Ibn Ubayy was also involved in the conflict with another Jewish tribe, the Banu
Nadhir. When Prophet (pbuh) ordered the tribe to leave the city within ten days,
Ibn Ubayy sent a message to the Banu al-Nadir, saying, “Hold out, and defend
yourselves; we shall not surrender you to Muhammad. If you are attacked we
shall fight with you and if you are sent away we shall go with you.'“
He also accused Prophet (pbuh) of treachery and urged the Banu Nadhir to resist
by promising aid. However, as the promised help failed to materialize, the Banu
Nadhir surrendered and expelled them from the city.

11. 4) Banu Mustaliq campaign
In 627, Ibn Ubayy participated in a raid against the Banu Mustaliq. On the march
home from this campaign, conflict arose between the Muhajirun and the Ansar
when a Bedouin servant of Umar pushed an ally of the Khazraj. Hearing of this,
Ibn Ubayy reportedly voiced his discontent:
“You have brought upon yourselves, by inviting these strangers to dwell amongst
us. When we return to Medina, the Mightier (Muhajirun) shall surely expel the
Meaner! (Ansar)”.
Prophet (pbuh) forestalled any fighting by immediately continuing the march.
Ibn Ubayy denied having said this and Prophet (pbuh) accepted this excuse,
though after the return to Medina the "Munafiqun" would be reprimanded in
Surah al-Munafiqun.

12. Reportedly, after the revelation, Umar, counselled to have Ibn Ubayy killed, and
also the offer of Ibn Ubayy's own son, a fervent Muslim, offered to kill his own
father.
However, Prophet (pbuh) rejected their proposal saying, “Do you want people to
say Muhammad killed his companions?” (al-Bukhari: 4905 & Muslim: 2584)

13. 5) Slandering Aishah
During the same march (Banu Mustaliq), Aisha was rumoured to have committed
adultery and Ibn Ubay was among those spreading the rumour. One of the chiefs
of the Aws asked for the permission to punish the slanderers (without incurring a
feud), but the Khazraj opposed this. After Prophet (pbuh) had announced that he
had received a revelation confirming Aisha's innocence, he had her accusers
punished by eighty lashes but did not venture to enforce the sentence against Ibn
Ubayy.

14. 6) Battle of Tabuk
In 630, the Battle of Tabuk took place during a time of drought and food shortage
created serious discontent in Medina, Ibn Ubayy expressed his sympathy for
those criticizing the expedition as untimely. As the army assembled, Ibn Ubayy's
troops formed a separate camp and turned back to Medina when Muslim forces
set out.
This story was recorded by Qur’an saying in al-Taubah about how the
hypocrityes loved to be exempted from taking part in the jihad.

15. Those who were left behind were happy with their sitting back to the
displeasure of the Messenger of Allah, and they disliked carrying out Jihad in
the way of Allah with their wealth and lives, and they said, “Do not march in
this hot weather.” Say, “The fire of Jahannam is much more intense in heat,”
only if they could understand. (81)
They swear before you, so that you may be pleased with them. So, even if you
are pleased with them, Allah will not be pleased with the sinning people. (96)

16. His death
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:
When 'Abdullah bin Ubai (the chief of hypocrites) died, his son came to the
Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Please give me your shirt to shroud him in
it, offer his funeral prayer and ask for Allah's forgiveness for him." So Allah's
Apostle (p.b.u.h) gave his shirt to him and said, "Inform me (When the funeral is
ready) so that I may offer the funeral prayer." So, he informed him and when the
Prophet intended to offer the funeral prayer, 'Umar took hold of his hand and
said, "Has Allah not forbidden you to offer the funeral prayer for the
hypocrites?”

17. The Prophet said, "I have been given the choice for Allah says: '(It does not
avail) Whether you (O Muhammad) ask forgiveness for them (hypocrites), or
do not ask for forgiveness for them. Even though you ask for their forgiveness
seventy times, Allah will not forgive them. (9.80)" So the Prophet offered the
funeral prayer and on that the revelation came: "And never (O Muhammad)
pray (funeral prayer) for any of them (i.e. hypocrites) that dies." (9. 84)
(al-Bukhari: 1269 & Muslim: 2400)
Abdullah bin Ubayy died two months after the Battle of Tabuk in 631.

18. The 2nd prominent figure of Munafiq was Abu ‘Amir bin ‘Amir al-Saif
from Aus, who constructed the Masjid Dhirar.
After the Battle of Ditch, the hypocrites realized that Madinah was
invulnerable to be attacked form outside. Thus Abu ‘Amir built a camp
inside Madinah for the enemies army to gather before they attacked
Madinah. The camp was actually the Masjid Dhirar. Prophet (pbuh) was
revealed by Allah about their plan and the masjid was burnt down once
he returned from the Battle of Tabuk by ordering Malik bin al-
Dukhshum and Ma’n bin ‘Uday to carry out the task.

21. • Julãs (Jilas) ibn Suwayd ibn al-Sãmit who kept criticizing the Prophet’s
(pbuh) decision to go for Tabuk. His story was recorded in al-Taubah: 74.
He had a son who was a genuine Muslim and always reported to Prophet
(pbuh) about his father’s scheme.
• Wadi’ah b. Thãhit, Khidam bin Khalid, Muattib bin Qusyair,
Jarriyah bin ‘Amir ibn al-Attaf and his tow sons, Zayd and
Mujamma’. They were another of the builders of Masjid al-Dirar.
OTHER HYPOCRITE FIGURES IN MADINAH

22. Nabtal bin al-Harith. He was a big, ugly man with long untidy hair. His eyes were as
red as two spots of copper. He always attended Prophet’s (pbuh) classes and
humiliated with joke. He said Prophet (pbuh) was all ear.
Mirbi ibn al-Qaizi. He was an old and blind man who threatened to throw a handful
of mud and clay at the Prophet (pbuh). A companion stroke Mirbi on the head with an
arrow. He would surely have killed him if Prophet (pbuh) didn’t stop the companions
by saying that he was blind both in vision and heart.
Aus ibn al-Qaizi. Brother of Mirbi. He requested to exempted from taking part in
battle even though he didn’t have a concrete reason.

23. Sa’d bin Hunaif, Zaid bin al-Lusait, Nu’am bin Abi Aufa bin Amir, Uthman
bin Aufa and Suwailim offered their houses to be the meeting place for the
hypocrites.

24. • Well-known jurist Ibn Taymiyah said that Munafiqs will continue to exist
until the Day of Judgment. He sums up by saying that Munafiqs are of
two types:
• (i) Nifaq Akbar/ Aqadi: hypocrisy leading to unbelief
• (ii) Nifaq Ashghar/ Amali: hypocrisy of deed or action
Muslims are not allowed to judge the committer of Nifaq Akbar/ Aqadi.
However, there are signs of Nifaq in general described by the Qur’an and
hadith to be applied as precautions.
REMARK

25. THE SIGNS OF
HYPROCYTES

26. Signs of Nifaq:
- Prefer to be exempted from jihad (ie: Battle of Uhud, Tabuk).
- Enjoy to see conflict among people (ie; Battle of Banu Mustaliq).
- Tend to help non-Muslims upon Muslims (ie; Banu Qainuqa, Banu
Nadhir)
- Always give excuses and oaths (ie; Battle of Tabuk)
- Enjoy to spread story that defame people (ie: Ifk)
- Enjoy receiving fortunes without working (ie: Battle of Tabuk)

27. - Tend to harm (pollute) the environment unconsciously. (al-Baqarah: 12,
205)
When it is said to them, “Do not spread disorder on the earth”, they say, “We
are but reformers.” (11) Beware, it is, in fact, they who spread disorder, but
they do not appreciate. (12)
He moves about in the land trying to spread disorder in it, and to destroy the
tillage and the stock; and Allah does not like disorder. (205)

28. - Dislike to be reminded to afraid or remember Allah or to repent their
sins. Qur’an says: When it is said to him, “Fear Allah”, he is tempted by
arrogance to (commit) sin. (al-Baqarah: 206)
- And when it is said to them, “Come on, so that Allah’s Messenger may pray
for your forgiveness”, they twist their heads (in aversion), and you see them
turning away in arrogance. (5)

29. - Lazy to attend the Solat. Qur’an says, “They do not come to the Salah but
lazily, and do not spend but without volition.” (al-Taubah: 54)
- Ibn Ma’sud said, “We have witnessed (during the time of Prophet SAW) that
no one missed the congregational prayers except hypocrite who widely
known with hypocrisy, or sickman. Even a sick man was normally seen
shouldered by two others to come to congregational prayer.

30. - Always mocking Muslims, consciously or unconsciously. Qur’an
says, “When they meet those who believe, they say, “We have entered
Faith;” but when they are alone with their satans, they say, “Indeed, we
are with you; we were only mocking.” (al-Baqarah: 14)

31. Do not care about the orphans, poor people, love to show off, and
belittle small contributions. Qur’an says in al-Ma’un,
Do you see him who lies in his religion? (1)
So, he is the one who pushes away the orphan, (2)
And does not care to feed the poor. (3)
So, the Hellfire of Wail to those performers of Salah, (4) Who are
neglectful of their Salah, (5)
Who (do good only to) show off, (6)
And belittle small gifts. (7)

32. Prophet SAW said:
"Four are the qualities which, when found in a person, make him a sheer
hypocrite, and one who possesses one of them, possesses one characteristic of
hypocrisy until he abandons it. These are:
1) When he is entrusted with something, he betrays trust;
2) when he speaks, he lies;
3) when he promises, he acts treacherously; and
4) when he argues, he behaves in a very imprudent, insulting manner."
(al-Bukhari: 4 & Muslim: 106)

33. HOW PROPHET (PBUH) DEALT WITH THEM?
1) Their punishment was not in physic, but in mental through boycott or
disclosing their schemes like the story of Abdullah bin Ubay and others for
their crimes of slandering Aishah. Among the reason is the high possibility
of them to twist the story. Furthermore, the aim of the punishment is to
educate, and they won’t take the lesson.
2) If there is no punishment but psychological ones, they were exempted due
to goal of the punishment which is to educate, won’t be achieved. For
example, 3 genuine Muslims were boycotted when they did’nt join the
Battle of Tabuk. However, the hypocrites were exempted.

34. 4) Prophet SAW refused to execute death sentence on them to avoid being
remarked as a person who killed his friend like the story of Ibnu Ubay.
5) However, their meeting place been burnt down like the Masjid Dhirar and
Suwailim’s house.
6) Prophet SAW also kept reminding people to be cautious to them by always
explained about the signs of hypocrites. He also told certain companions like
Abu Huzaifah about the hypocrites’ personnel.
7) Hypocrites must be denied from holding any important position in society.

35. 8) When the Madinah State became a strong nation, hypocrites like Amr bin
Qais, Rafi ibn Wadiah, Zaid bin Amir, Qais bin Amr bin Sahl, al-Harith bin
Amir, Suwaid bin al-Harith and Ibn Ubay were kicked out from the
Prophet’s Mosque. They were also not allowed to join in any jihad
expedition.
9) After the funeral of Ibn Ubay, Prophet SAW did not attend their funeral
procession nor ask Allah to pardon them. Thus, Muslims rulers and scholars
must do the same. However, the Muslim community should attend the
procession to console the living family.