The reply is:
We have already mentioned that there were no hypocrites among the Emigrants. It should be understood that the hypocrites were few compared with the believers. Most of them were exposed when the Quran was revealed concerning them, and by other means as well. Even if the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not identify every one of them individually, those who dealt with them directly knew their condition.
Whether a man is inwardly a believer, a Jew, a Christian, or a polytheist does not remain hidden after prolonged dealings with him. No one conceals anything within himself without Allah revealing it in his facial expressions and slips of the tongue.
Allah Most High says:
“If We willed, We would show them to you, and you would recognize them by their marks.” [Surah Muhammad: 30]
And He says:
“You will surely recognize them by the tone of their speech.” [Surah Muhammad: 30]
Thus, anyone who conceals disbelief will inevitably be recognized by the tone of his speech, whereas he may or may not be recognized by his outward signs.
Allah Most High also says:
“O you who believe, when believing women come to you as emigrants, examine them. Allah knows best their faith. Then, if you know them to be believers, do not return them to the disbelievers.” [Surah al-Mumtahanah: 10]
The Companions mentioned as transmitters from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and those whom Muslims revere for their religion, all believed in him. Praise be to Allah, Muslims have never revered a hypocrite on religious grounds.
A man’s faith can be known just as his other inward states can be known: his loyalties and enmities, his joy and anger, his hunger and thirst, and so forth. These states have outward manifestations that necessarily accompany them, and outward manifestations necessarily indicate inward states. This is something recognized by