wailing over the deceased, and seeking rain by the positions of the stars.”

In the two Ṣaḥīḥs it is likewise related—from Abū Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him—that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“The hallmark of the hypocrite is threefold: when he speaks, he lies; when he gives a promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted, he betrays the trust.”

Muslim also records the addition: “Even if he fasts, performs the prayers, and claims to be a Muslim.”

Fear of Hypocrisy among the Prophet’s Companions

Al-Bukhārī reports from Ibn Abī Mulaykah that he said: “I met thirty of Muhammad’s Companions, peace and blessings be upon him, and every one of them feared hypocrisy for himself.”

Allah the Exalted says:

“Whatever befell you on the day the two hosts met was by Allah’s permission, so that He might make evident the believers, and make evident those who were hypocrites. It was said to them, ‘Come, fight in the cause of Allah, or at least defend.’ They replied, ‘Had we known there would be fighting, we would surely have followed you.’ On that day they were nearer to disbelief than to faith.” ⦗Q 3:166–167⦘

Thus He declared these people closer to disbelief than to faith,