known, since they always profess Islam outwardly.

Such people are numerous among adherents of philosophy, including astrologers and the like, then among physicians, and to a lesser extent among scribes. They are also found among Sufis, those engaged in jurisprudence, soldiers, rulers, and ordinary people. However, they are especially numerous among the sects of the innovators, particularly the Rāfidah. Among them are more concealed unbelievers and hypocrites than among any other sect.

For this reason, the Khurramiyyah, Bātiniyyah, Qarāmitah, Ismā‘īliyyah, Nusayriyyah, and similar groups of hypocrites and concealed unbelievers have affiliated themselves with the Rāfidah. In these times, many of these hypocrites are inclined toward the rule of these Tatars, because the Tatars do not oblige them to observe Islamic law, but leave them to their existing ways. Some of them are averse to the Tatars only because of their corrupt worldly conduct, their seizure of wealth, and their brazen bloodshed and taking of captives—not for the sake of religion. This is the major form of hypocrisy.

As for minor hypocrisy, it is hypocrisy in deeds and the like: lying when speaking, breaking promises, betraying trusts, or acting wickedly in disputes. In the two Sahīhs, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is reported to have said:

“The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he breaks his promise; and when entrusted with something, he betrays that trust.”

An authentic version adds:

“Even if he prays, fasts, and claims to be a Muslim.”

And in the two Sahīhs,