Practical Hypocrisy (نفاق عملی) and Its Effects on Society Hypocrisy… — Scholars Of Kashmir - Ahlus Sunnah Media Forum — TG.ME

Forwarded fromMAMaulana Hameedullah Lone Sahib DB

Practical Hypocrisy (نفاق عملی) and Its Effects on Society Hypocrisy is of two kinds. The first is I‘tiqādi Nifaq (نفاق اعتقادی), hypocrisy in belief, which takes a person outside the fold of Islam. The second is ‘Amali Nifaq (نفاق عملی), hypocrisy in conduct and practice. Unfortunately, this latter form has become widespread in the Ummah. More concerning is that it is often not recognised as a serious spiritual disease. When a disease is not acknowledged, the concern for its treatment naturally diminishes. One manifestation of ‘Amali Nifaq is the discrepancy between speech and action. A person may speak emphatically about adherence to the teachings of Deen and condemn various unlawful practices, yet when the occasion for practical adherence arises, he himself becomes negligent. For instance, the unlawful customs and practices found in weddings and other gatherings may be condemned in speech, including immodesty, music and other violations of the Shari‘ah. Yet, if one willingly participates in such gatherings despite these practices, the contradiction between his words and actions becomes evident. Such inconsistency has a profound effect upon the religious consciousness of society. When people repeatedly witness this contradiction, the gravity of unlawful practices gradually diminishes in their hearts, and the sanctity and importance of the commands of Deen become weakened. Therefore, there is a pressing need for muhasabah (self-examination). The demand of Deen is not merely that its teachings be conveyed through our words, but that they be reflected in our conduct. The greater the responsibility of a person in guiding others, the greater the need for his own actions to correspond with his words. The reform of society begins with sincerity, consistency and conformity between what we profess and what we practise.