Hypocrisy in belief, or Nifāq Iʿtiqādī, is when a person outwardly claims to be a Muslim but secretly disbelieves. This type of hypocrisy is extremely serious, as it involves deception at the level of faith itself. A person with hypocrisy in belief acts as a Muslim publicly but internally rejects the core beliefs of Islam. This type of hypocrisy places a person outside the fold of Islam.
Forms of hypocrisy in belief include:
- Denying the Prophet Muhammad’s message: Outwardly, they may say they believe, but internally they reject the truth of his prophethood.
- Hating what the Prophet brought: This includes disliking parts of Islamic teachings, such as the Qur’an, even while pretending to accept it.
- Rejoicing in the hardship of Islam: Secretly hoping for Islam to weaken or celebrating when Muslims face hardship or defeat.
- Pretending loyalty while wishing for Islam’s failure: Outwardly appearing supportive but hoping for the downfall of the Islamic community.
Allāh warns of the severity of hypocrisy in belief in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire, and never will you find for them a helper.”
— Surah An-Nisa (4:145)