On Hypocrisy, Deceit, Murder, & Addictions
In the light of Islam, there are certain prohibitions that not only prevent us from doing wrong, but also guide us towards divine mercy and eternal salvation. Allah has warned us against hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is a spiritual illness of the heart; it is an inner corruption that destroys sincerity and disrupts the healthy functioning of community life.
The Quran describes hypocrites as follows: “The hypocrites, men and women, are alike. They encourage
what is evil, forbid what is good, and are miserly. They have forgotten Allah,
so Allah has forgotten them.” (At-Tauba 9: 67)
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) defined the signs of a
hypocrite: “When he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he does not
keep it; and when he is entrusted with something, he betrays that trust.”
(Bukhari, Muslim)
These are the signs of a hypocrite. The Prophet
(pbuh) also said: “Four traits make a person a complete hypocrite: betrayal,
lying, breaking promises, and concealing the truth during disputes.”
(Bukhari, Muslim)
Social hypocrisy is also condemned. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “There is nothing more serious than a person with two faces.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
He also warned: “Whoever performs an action
just to be seen or heard, Allah will expose his true intention.” (Bukhari,
Muslim)
Then there is pride. Pride is a barrier between
people and the truth. Allah says in the Quran, quoting the advice Luqman (ra)
gave to his son: “Do not walk upon the earth with arrogance. Surely, Allah
does not love those who are arrogant.” (Luqman 31: 19)
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever has
even a tiny amount of pride in his heart will not enter Paradise.” (Muslim)
Pride is the rejection of truth and the feeling
of superiority over others. And contempt itself is a sin.
Next is betrayal. Allah and His Prophet (pbuh)
have condemned betrayal. Allah says in the Quran: “Do
not defend those who betray themselves. Surely, Allah does not love those who
are treacherous.” (An-Nisa 4: 108)
The Noble Prophet (pbuh) said: “Everyone is
responsible for what they do, and they will be questioned about it.”
(Bukhari, Muslim)
He also said: “Whoever deceives us is not
one of us.” (Muslim) And there is this Hadith: “Anyone whom Allah grants
authority and who betrays that trust will not be allowed to enter Paradise.”
(Bukhari, Muslim)
Muslim brotherhood is built on loyalty. There
are many Hadiths where Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “A Muslim is a brother
to his fellow Muslim; he does not betray him, lie to him, or abandon him.”
(Tirmidhi) Even towards traitors, justice must be maintained. The Prophet
advised: “Return the trust [Amaanat] to the one who entrusted it to you, and
do not betray even the one who betrayed you.” (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)
Among the serious prohibitions in Islam is
murder, i.e. taking a life. Taking someone’s life unjustly is a great crime in
the eyes of Allah. Allah says in the Quran: “Whoever
kills a single person unjustly, it is as though he has killed all of humanity.”
(Al-Maida 5: 33)
Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “A believer
remains secure in his faith as long as he does not commit murder.”
(Bukhari)
Murder will be among the first matters judged
on the Day of Judgement. The blood, honour, and property of a Muslim are
sacred. Even killing a non-Muslim under Islamic protection is forbidden. The
Prophet said: “Whoever kills a non-Muslim under protection will not smell
the fragrance of Paradise.” (Bukhari)
He also said: “Whoever raises a weapon
against his believing brother, the angels curse him until he lowers it.”
(Muslim) However, legitimate self-defence is honoured. While condemning unjust
killing, the Prophet emphasised exceptions such as: “Whoever is killed
defending himself dies a martyr.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Among the grave prohibitions are fornication
and adultery. Allah says in the Quran: “Do not go near fornication; it is
truly a shameful act.” (Bani Isra’il 17: 33)
Alcohol is also condemned. Allah says: “O believers! Wine, gambling, idols, and divining arrows
are all abominations – works of Satan. So avoid them.” (Al-Maida 5: 91)
Theft, corruption, and consuming unlawful
earnings are also strongly condemned. Allah says: “As for the thief, male or
female, cut off their hand.” (Al-Maida 5: 39)
And He says: “Many
rush towards sin and consume unlawful gains. Evil indeed is what they do.”
(Al-Maida 5: 63)
There are also prohibitions that concern family
and social life. A woman must not allow anyone into her home without her
husband’s permission; nor may she fast without his consent, except during
Ramadan when fasting is obligatory for all believers – men and women alike. The
Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Do not invoke Allah against yourselves, your
children, or your possessions.” (Bukhari) And he also said: “Do not seek
leadership.” (Muslim)
If we follow these prohibitions sincerely, that
is, staying clear from them, they open the door to divine mercy.
The Quran teaches: “Indeed, those who say,
‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remain firm upon it, the angels will descend upon
them saying: ‘Do not fear, nor grieve, but receive glad tidings of Paradise
which you were promised.’” (Fussilat 41: 31)
Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Whoever keeps
away from what is forbidden and follows what is permitted, Allah will make the
path to Paradise easy for him.” (Tirmidhi)
Islam is not merely a religion of rituals; it
is a living ethic, a light for the heart, and a source of peace for society.
Every prohibition is meant to protect human dignity, uphold justice, and
strengthen our relationship with Allah. A believer must cultivate patience, sincerity,
humility, loyalty, and respect for life. He must learn self-control, make
Duahs, and strive with all his heart to earn Allah’s pleasure; not His anger.
Divine anger is not like human anger. Allah’s
anger is just, because it is based on valid reasons. Human anger, however,
often flares up from emotions stirred by Shaytan. If Muslims learn to master
their passions and regulate their emotions through prayer and supplication,
they will move from success to success, be it in this world and in the Hereafter.
Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 26 September 2025~ 03 Rab'ulAakhir 1447 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalufatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.