Many people who are returning to their faith or beginning to practice more seriously struggle with feelings of hypocrisy. A person might adopt an Islamic practice, such as wearing the hijab, but still find themselves engaging in other actions they know are prohibited, like wearing tight clothing. This can lead to internal conflict and feelings of being insincere.
Another common struggle is the constant questioning of one’s intentions (niyyah). A person may find themselves wondering if they are doing good deeds truly for the sake of Allah or for some other motive. These important concerns are addressed below.
Understanding Hypocrisy (Nifaq) and Sin (Ma’siyah)
Eminent Muslim scholars clarify that there are different types of hypocrisy (nifaq).
Creedal Hypocrisy (Nifaq ‘Aqidi): This is the most severe type. It refers to displaying Islam outwardly while inwardly hiding disbelief (kufr). A person who dies in this state faces a severe punishment.
Practical Hypocrisy (Nifaq ‘Amali): This refers to doing good deeds before people for the sake of showing off (riyā’). While this action nullifies the reward of the deed, it is not considered an act of disbelief in itself.
There is another category, which is sin (ma’siyah). This refers to a person doing a prohibited act while knowing that it is prohibited.
Based on this, a person who is striving to practice but falls into a sin (like wearing improper clothing) is not necessarily a “hypocrite” in the creedal sense. Rather, this action is considered a sin for which repentance is required.
The Solution: Sincere Repentance (Tawbah)
The path forward for one who commits a sin is sincere tawbah (repentance) and istighfar (asking Allah for forgiveness). This process requires three main components:
Feeling deep regret for the sinful acts.
Refraining from these sins totally.
Having a firm resolution not to return to them again.
How to Cultivate Pure Intentions (Ikhlas)
The struggle to keep intentions pure is a sign of a living faith. The way to ensure that one’s intentions are for Allah is to consciously renew that intention before doing any good deed.
A person should actively try to make their intention for the sake of Allah and constantly ask Allah to grant them piety (taqwa) and sincerity (ikhlas).
We ask Allah Almighty to guide all believers to the right path and grant them happiness in this worldly life and the world to come.
