Five Traits of Hypocrisy: A Commentary on the Prophetic ﷺ Ḥadīth
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 14th February 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/8btJV4hutIg

Various traits of hypocrisy are understood at face value. However, many of these traits stem deeper than their outward appearance. This talk aims to explore the roots of these traits and what believers should do to avoid them.

The talk starts by enumerating five traits of hypocrisy from two main ḥadīth on the topic. Lying, being the first of the traits of hypocrisy, is placed in the wider context of the person being false of character – of which speech is just a part. This, as opposed to ṣidq, which denotes the person being true, something praised in several verses of the Qur’ān. It is shown how lying can cause a person's character to become false and the consequences of lying are described as being destructive. This includes destroying relationships, barakah and reducing ones blessings in trade. Worldly gain from lying is said to be short-term but with a graphic punishment described for it in the hereafter.

Falsehood is also identified as being the basis from which the remaining four traits of hypocrisy stem. When discussing these traits, differentiation is made between promises and pledges; the breaking of each forming a separate trait. The trait of betrayal of trust is described to include both material as well as non-material trusts, such as private conversations.

The last trait described is that of sinning in disputes. Disagreement is explained to be unavoidable, the importance being to disagree honourably; by not being foul-mouthed nor extending the disagreement to other things and people.

Find out in this talk how various traits of hypocrisy are mentioned in the Qurān and aḥādīth.

Below are some of the topics in this talk:
- Two main ḥadīth on traits of hypocrisy
- Religion is Naṣīḥah
- Meaning of aḥzāb and the Siege of Madīnah
- Meaning of kadhib (Lying)
- The Story of Masjid al-Ḍirār
- Destructive Nature of Lying
- Truth Being Profitable in the Long Term
- Saḥābah Narrating Dreams to the Prophet ﷺ

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Five Traits of Hypocrisy - A Commentary on the Prophetic ﷺ Ḥadīth

Gratitude Part 1
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 9th October 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/iyCUFViNH5o

Gratitude can be shown in every part of our daily life; from the food we eat, to the health and wealth that Allah has blessed us with. This two-part series explores a variety of blessings we should be grateful for, how to express gratitude and the dangers of ingratitude.

This talk begins with the connection between ingratitude and disbelief and how these are explained with examples from the Quran. Ingratitude towards other people and the origin of the word 'kufr' are explained in this context.

The talk also emphasises our many blessings, including the gift of life itself, and how well-off we are compared to many others. Gratitude is explained to be part of a healthy lifestyle also by worldly practitioners; having a positive impact on one's mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. The negative consequences of ingratitude, such as envy, are contrasted to this. 

Gratitude and patience are mentioned to be two sides of the same coin; giving the same reward which can be utilised in all the situations of a believer. In the end of the talk, guidance (hidāyah) is put forth as being the greatest gift of all.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:

- Connection between ingratitude and disbelief
- The meaning of 'kufr'
- Grateful for the gift of life
- Gratitude being a healthy lifestyle
- The gift of time
- Positive effects of shukr

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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Gratitude

Gratitude Part 1

Gratitude Part 2
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 30th October 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/HHNTt61nhwY

Gratitude can be shown in every part of our daily life; from the food we eat, to the health and wealth that Allah has blessed us with. This two-part series explores a variety of blessings we should be grateful for, how to express gratitude and the dangers of ingratitude.

This talk starts by emphasising our fundamental blessings such as food and health and how one should not equate their differing degrees of blessings to their own good deeds, or lack thereof. Rather both Allah's giving and withholding are a test and thus two sides of the same coin. Also, being tested in mental health should be seen without stigma, in the same way as when a person is tested in physical health. 

Ahadith and verses of the Quran are quoted to show pious individuals being grateful to Allah for their good deeds rather than ascribing them to themselves. A sense of satisfaction for ones deeds is described as being different from having impermissible pride over them.

Gratefulness is also connected to other positive spiritual traits – sabr and contentment – whilst ingratitude is said to go hand-in-hand with stinginess.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:

- Blessing of food
- The blessing of our eyes
- Speech impediment of Musa a.s
- How can we be grateful?
- Grateful for our good deeds
- The truthfulness of Ka'b ibn Malik
- Connection of ingratitude and stinginess
- Worldly benefits of gratitude

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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Gratitude Part 2

Ungrateful to the Creation: Ungrateful to the Creator
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 6th November 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/Ba_1Gnt-ipA

Gratitude is an important part of our lives which should not only be shown to the Creator, but also to the creation. Many aḥādīth emphasise the need to express gratitude towards others and how this can be done is explained in this talk.

The first step is identified as expressing verbal gratitude and making du’ā’ for the person. But even before that, it is emphasized that we must develop the ability to recognize favours in the first place. This is because ingratitude, and the selfishness it stems from, is part of human nature. A number of verses of the Qur’ān are cited to show this ingratitude, as well as real life examples of human self-entitlement, even in religious matters. All of this occurs despite being recipients of other people’s favours.

Simple deeds such as smiling and pouring water from a jug are mentioned as acts of charity and how these can be a form of gratitude themselves.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:

- Importance of gratitude towards creation
- How “JazākAllāhu khayrā” is different from “Thank you”
- Ingratitude and self-entitlement towards one's parents
- Selfishness in religion
- Stories of ingratitude 
- Smiling being an act of charity
- Selflessness of animals
- All of us are recipients of favours

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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Ungrateful to the Creation: Ungrateful to the Creator

The Prophet's ﷺ Gratitude
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 4th December 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/MYUhLiZhE2I

The Prophet ﷺ was a leading example when showing gratitude towards the creation and the Creator. Many du'ā uttered by the Prophet ﷺ include words of gratitude to Allāh and he would often pray excessively for those who carried out favours for him.

This talk starts by establishing that it is a command of Allāh that we acknowledge Him and that gratitude is a manifestation of that acknowledgement. It shows how previous prophets showed gratitude and how the Prophet ﷺ was told to follow in their footsteps. The Prophet's ﷺ gratitude to Allāh is shown by his ‘ibādah, the wording of his du'ā and his dhikr, all of which are mentioned to be connected to gratitude.

Thereafter the gratitude of the Prophet ﷺ to the creation is mentioned, including his genuine generosity. Several examples show how the Prophet ﷺ showed gratitude to the ṣaḥābah and even non-Muslims and enemies for kind actions. The talk emphasises the need to reciprocate favours of other humans, even if by making du'ā' for them.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- Worship of Allāh connected to shukr
- Du'ā beginning with the praise of Allāh
- The Prophet's ﷺ habit of sleeping
- Irrational fear of poverty
- Sincere du'ā for others
- The Prophet's ﷺ du'ā for others
- Gratitude towards non-Muslims
- Description of the Prophet ﷺ in earlier scriptures

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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The Prophet's ﷺ Gratitude

Religion is Naṣīḥah Part 1
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 15th January 2021 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/rP049YNdlQE

The famous ḥadīth of Tamīm al-Dārī is often translated as, "Religion is advice." However, there is more to the meaning of these words than a simple translation. What exactly is 'naṣīḥah' and how can it be applied to Allāh, His Prophet ﷺ and the believers?

This talk details the word naṣīhah beyond its common, but partial translation of 'advice'. The word 'nuṣḥ' is explained; including its meaning of extracting pure honey, and several verses in the Qurān containing derivatives of the word are mentioned. Previous prophets, including the Prophet ﷺ exercised nuṣḥ in all conditions and examples of these are explained in this talk.

Thereafter the talk explains 'naṣīḥah to Allāh' and how it entails placing Allāh above all else and not being in a deceitful relationship with Him. The sincere believers who remained behind at the battle of Tabūk are mentioned as positive examples. Furthermore, our duties to Allāh’s book are said to be similar to the Prophet’s ﷺ duties as mentioned in Surat al-Jumu’ah. 

Towards the end of the talk, five of our duties to the Prophet ﷺ are extracted from verses of the Qurān. Naṣīḥah to the Muslims leaders and laity is also mentioned, but very briefly.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- The ḥadīth of Tamīm al-Dārī about naṣīḥah
- Meaning of naṣīḥah
- The Prophets having nusḥ for their nations 
- Antonyms of naṣīḥah
- Naṣīḥah for Allāh
- Background of naṣīḥah in Sūrat al-Tawbah
- Our duty to the book of Allāh
- Our duty to the Prophet ﷺ
- Naṣīḥah for other believers

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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Religion is Naṣīhah

Religion is Naṣīhah Part 1

Religion is Naṣīḥah Part 2
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 12th February 2021 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/aXczi-glDVE

The famous ḥadīth of Tamīm al-Dārī is often translated as, "Religion is advice." However, there is more to the meaning of these words than a simple translation. What exactly is 'naṣīḥah' and how can it be applied to Allāh, His Prophet ﷺ and the believers?

This talk continues from the first part of the series and focuses on the latter part of the ḥadīth of Tamīm al-Dārī, especially regarding showing naṣīḥah to the leaders and laity alike. An understanding is presented on how naṣīḥah should be shown to the leaders and why it is so important. This is supported by a number of aḥādīth.

The talk then briefly explains the philosophy of wealth in Islām and how a believer should generate and spend their own wealth. Wishing well for others and being sincere to them are part of the rights every Muslim should carry out. A stellar example of this is how Jarīr ibn ʿAbdullāh al-Bajarī was sincere in his belief and would always want what’s best for others.

The talk concludes by explaining how voluntary work is good for a person and how it should also serve as a reminder for the believers for them to be thankful for the blessings of Allāh.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- A brief history of Kūfah
- The khuṭbah of Jarīr ibn ʿAbdullāh al-Bajarī in Kūfah
- Naṣīḥah for the leaders and the laity
- Generating wealth for oneself & the 3 philosophies of wealth in Islām
- Etiquette of asking questions
- Three things that purify the heart
- Jarīr ibn ʿAbdullāh al-Bajarī giving bayʿah to the Prophet ﷺ
- Being genuine to all believers
- Finding joy in serving others

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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Religion is Naṣīhah Part 2

Traits of Hypocrisy Part 5
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 17th January 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/XMM0jm2MZE4

This seven-part series details the different types of hypocrites and their various traits. The dangers of adopting these traits is emphasised so that the believers identify and avoid them.

The fifth part of this series covers verses 204 - 206 of Sūrat al-Baqarah. A reason for people being argumentative is identified to be from our own inner insecurities. These insecurities can have an effect on those around us including our close relatives.

The psychological process in the head of a person who is corrected when wrong is explained; how he may interpret even a minor imperfection pointed out to mean that he is worthless, and therefore puts on a mask of arrogance as a defence and becomes angry. As a contrast, the reaction of an emotionally stable person when corrected is mentioned; how such a person, through his balanced view of himself, takes criticism on board rather than being argumentative. Examples of people receptive to corrections are given like the example of Umar r.a.

The fact that perfection is infeasible in the dunyā is emphasized and illustrated by imperfections in great personalities such as Imām Bukhārī and Einstein. The example of imperfections in the dunyā is also shown how the Prophet ﷺ underwent physical difficulties and at times was corrected by Allāh for his actions. We are then recommended to have a balanced view of ourselves and take time out for self-reflection to improve the way we react to other people's corrections.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- The Argumentative Nature of Man
- A Believer is the Mirror of Another Believer
- The Meaning of 'Fasād'
- Balanced Thinking of a Believer
- Humans Not Being Perfect in Mind or Body
- The Prophet ﷺ Being Corrected by Allāh
- The Worried Well
- The Mentality of a Believer for Self-improvement

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Traits of Hypocrisy

Traits of Hypocrisy Part 5

Traits of Hypocrisy Part 6
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 14th January 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/fnLaAkqRdSw

This seven-part series details the different types of hypocrites and their various traits. The dangers of adopting these traits is emphasised so that the believers identify and avoid them.

The sixth part of this series recaps on the traits of hypocrisy identified in verses 204-206 of Sūrat al-Baqarah; especially emphasizing the importance of avoiding arrogance, controlling one's anger and sincerely apologising. Thereafter the contrasting verse 207 and the life of Suhayb al-Rūmī r.a, about whom the verse was revealed, is discussed to the extent of how Umar r.a appointed Suhayb as a temporary imam during his final days.

Thereafter the topic moves to verse 118 of Surat Āl 'imran, in which the Muslims were told not to keep munāfiqūn as their confidants, with various signs of a munāfiq being mentioned in the verse. The talk here emphasizes the purity of tongue and its connection to purity of heart - the example being that of the Prophet ﷺ who could not even feign vulgarity of the tongue. Emphasis is also placed on how we should look for traits of hypocrisy within ourselves rather than judging others since we cannot know their state with Allah.

Towards the end of the talk, the concept of ḥasad is discussed and poetry cited to illustrate its peculiar nature. Linguistic meanings of the words "shamātah", "biṭānah" and "sa'i" are given in various places of the talk.

Below are some of the topics in this talk:
- The Meaning of Sa'ī
- Saying 'Sorry' is Verbal Judo
- Four Types of People in Anger
- The Life of Suhayb al-Rūmī r.a
- Various Traits of a Munāfiq Compared to a Mu'min
- Taking the Hypocrites as Confidants
- The Inconsistencies of a Hypocrite
- Identifying Traits of Hypocrisy in Ourselves
- The Destruction of Envy

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Traits of Hypocrisy Part 6

Traits of Hypocrisy Part 7/7
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 31st January 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/JyVvV8lrRXU

This seven-part series details the different types of hypocrites and their various traits. The dangers of adopting these traits is emphasised so that the believers identify and avoid them.

The final part of this series lists some of the remaining traits of hypocrisy. The first of these discussed is laziness in ‘ibādah. It is explained how a munāfiq prays for show and emphasis is placed on being devoted as believers during prayer, while not treating it as a burden. 

Secondly, the traits of poisoning the minds of believers and encouraging others to sin are discussed. The psychology behind why we prevent others doing good - especially in families - is explained. Comparison is made here regarding people with personality disorders (PDs) who pull others down to not feel alone in their inner turmoil. The PD’s projection of guilt and projective identification are further identified as traits of hypocrisy.

Thereafter the trait of betrayal, including major betrayal, is discussed. Examples are given of major betrayals in battles of the Prophet ﷺ as well as of the modern political phrase "there are no friends, only interests". Throughout the talk, the behaviour of a mu'min is given as a contrast to the various traits of hypocrisy.

Below are some of the topics in this talk:
- Meaning and Differences Between Kushū' & Khudū'
- Salaah of a Mu'min vs. Salaah of a Munāfiq
- Trait of Hypocrisy: Creating Conflict & Corruption
- Trait of Hypocrisy: Projection of Guilt
- There is No Envy Except in Two Things
- Trait of Hypocrisy: Major Betrayal
- The Three Signs of a Hypocrite

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Traits of Hypocrisy Part 7

Al Kawthar Academy was established under the guidance of Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq to cater for the religious, spiritual and educational needs of English speaking Muslims. Its endeavour is to become a reliable reference and a valuable resource of authentic Islamic material in various media.

For more information visit our website: www.akacademy.org

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