As for the hypocrites, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not enforce the prescribed legal punishment (ḥadd) against them, and the scholars have differed over the reason for this.

One view holds that a hypocrite never speaks plainly; he only says, “It is said,” “It is mentioned,” “We have heard,” and the like.

Another view maintains that the hypocrite is not entitled to purification, whereas the ḥadd is a means of purifying the one on whom it is carried out. These hypocrites were not worthy of such purification, and for that reason the Messenger—upon him be peace—did not flog them, for had he done so it would have cleansed them of this ruinous offense. But they are unfit for purification, consigned to the lowest depths of the Fire; so he left them and their sins alone, for there is no good in them. Other explanations have also been mentioned.

In any case, this story is momentous and full of lessons; Allah is the One who grants success.

1/240 — Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “No servant conceals another servant in this world but that Allah will conceal him on the Day of Resurrection.” Reported by Muslim.

COMMENTARY

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—quotes Abu Hurayrah’s report that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “No servant conceals another servant in this world except that Allah, exalted, will conceal him on the Day of Resurrection.”

Concealment (satr) means to keep something hidden. We have already stated that concealment is not praiseworthy in every circumstance, nor is it blameworthy in every circumstance; rather, it is of two kinds: