Q22: What is hypocrisy and what are its types?

Answer:

1. Major Hypocrisy: It means hiding disbelief and proclaiming faith.

It gets one outside the fold of Islam and it is considered major disbelief.

Allah Almighty says: {Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire, and you will never find for them any helper.} [Surat an-Nisā’: 145]

2. Minor Hypocrisy:

Examples include: lying, breaking promises, and betraying trusts.

Hypocrisy does not take one out of the fold of Islam. Rather, it is a sin, and the one who commits it will be subjected to divine torment.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Signs of the hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he tells lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted, he betrays the trust." [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]