The Hypocrites (Al-Munaafeqoon)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
WHEN THE HYPOCRITES come unto thee, they say: "We bear witness that thou art indeed God's Apostle!" But God knows that thou art truly His Apostle; and He bears witness that the hypocrites are indeed false [in their declaration of faith]. 1 They have taken their oaths as a cover and barred others from the Path of Allah. Evil is what they have done. 2 That is because they believed, and then they disbelieved; so their hearts were sealed over, and they do not understand. 3 ۞ Now when thou seest them, their outward appearance may please thee; and when they speak, thou art inclined to lend ear to what they say. [But though they may seem as sure of themselves] as if they were timbers [firmly] propped up, they think that every shout is [directed] against them. They are the [real] enemies [of all faith,] so beware of them. [They deserve the imprecation,] "May God destroy them!" How perverted are their minds! 4 When it is said to them: “Come, Allah's Messenger will seek forgiveness for you,” they (contemptuously) shake their heads and you see them holding back in pride. 5 Whether thou ask forgiveness for them or ask not forgiveness for them is all one for them; Allah will not forgive them. Lo! Allah guideth not the evil-living folk. 6 It is they who say, "Give nothing to those who are around the Messenger of God so that they will desert him." To God belongs the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites have no understanding. 7 [and] they say, "Indeed, when we return to Madinah, [we] the ones most worthy of honour, will surely drive out from there the contemptible ones!" [referring to poor Muslims]. However, all honour belongs to God, and to His Messenger and those who believe [in God]: but of this the hypocrites are not aware. 8