The Hypocrites (Al-Munaafeqoon)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad], they say, "We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah." And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars. 1 They make their faith a pretext so that they may turn (men) from the way of Allah. Verily evil is that which they are wont to do, 2 That is because they came to believe, and then renounced (their faith). So their hearts were sealed; and now 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 And when it is said to them: Come, the Apostle of Allah will ask forgiveness for you, they turn back their heads and you may see them turning away while they are big with 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 [to their compatriots,] "Do not spend anything on those who are with God's Apostle, so that they [may be forced to] leave." However, unto God belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth: but this truth the hypocrites cannot grasp. 7 They say, "If we return to al-Madinah, the more honored [for power] will surely expel therefrom the more humble." And to Allah belongs [all] honor, and to His Messenger, and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know. 8