What is Nifaaq (hypocrisy)? What are the attributes of Munaafiqs (hypocrites) that are mentioned in the Chapters Al-Baqarah and Al-Munaafiqoon as well as in Hadeeths? What is the level of Munaafiqs in Hell, as mentioned in the Chapter An-Nisaa’?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alyhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger. 

Scholars defined Nifaaq (hypocrisy) as showing Islam by uttering what affirms belief while hiding disbelief in the heart. Ibn Katheer, the Shaf’ii scholar defined it as showing good and hiding evil.

The attributes of Munaafiqs that are mentioned in the Chapters Al-Baqarah and Al-Munaafiqoon are summarized as follows:

First, attributes of Munaafiqs (hypocrites) in the Chapter Al-Baqarah:

1-      Trying to deceive Allaah The Almighty and Muslims.

2-      Having diseases of the heart that is said to be either suspicion or Riyaa’ (doing something to impress people).

3-      Spreading corruption in the world by disbelief and evil actions.

4-      Labeling Muslims as fools.

5-      Being fickle; sometimes  being loyal to Muslims while at other times being loyal to disbelievers.

6-      Scoffing and ridiculing Muslims.

Second, the attributes of Munaafiqs in the Chapter Al-Munaafiqoon:

1-      Swearing to a lie due to fear of being killed.

2-      Hearts are sealed; therefore, truth and light cannot reach them.

3-Their bodies are grand, their speech is eloquent as if they are illusory pictures.

3-      Terror and fright shatters their hearts.  

4-      Considered to be Faasiqs (dissolute).

5-      Deprived of guidance to the truth.

Munaafiqs will be in the lowest point of Hell. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire— and never will you find for them a helper.} [Quran 4:145]

Sufyaan Ath-Thawri said that Munaafiqs will be put in sealed coffins in Hell. Abu Hurayrah said that Munaafiqs will be put in houses with sealed doors in Hell.

The attributes of Munaafiqs that are mentioned in Hadeeths (narrations) are

1-      Betraying trusts

2-      Lying

3-      Breaching covenants

4-      Not accepting the truth despite conclusive proofs

In a Hadeeth narrated on the authority of ‘Abd Allaah ibn ‘Umar both, the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, mentioned four attributes and said that whoever has them is very similar to Munaafiqs and whoever has one of these traits, has one of the characteristics of Munaafiqs till he abandons it: betraying trusts, lying, breaching covenants, and during a dispute, he rejects the truth and tells lies to establish his falsehood. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Allaah Knows best.