Surah Al Munafiqun in English Translation with Explain

Surah Al-Munafiqun (The Hypocrites) is the 63rd chapter of the Qur'an, and it contains 11 verses. It was revealed in Madinah and addresses the issue of hypocrisy within the Muslim community. The Surah warns against the behaviors of hypocrites, those who outwardly profess Islam but whose actions and hearts do not align with true faith. It also emphasizes the importance of sincerity in faith and the consequences of hypocrisy.

Here is the full English translation of Surah Al-Munafiqun, along with brief explanations for each verse:

1.

When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad], they say, "We testify that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah." And Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars.

Explanation:
This verse addresses the behavior of the hypocrites who, when they meet the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), claim to believe in him and his mission. However, their actions contradict their words, and Allah declares them liars, highlighting the difference between outward appearance and inner belief.

2.

They have taken their oaths as a cover, and they avert [people] from the way of Allah. Indeed, it is evil that they are doing.

Explanation:
The hypocrites use their oaths to deceive others, pretending to be loyal to Islam while secretly working against it. They obstruct the path of Allah, causing harm to the Muslim community with their duplicity and deceit. Allah condemns this behavior as evil.

3.

That is because they believed, then they disbelieved; so their hearts were sealed, and they do not understand.

Explanation:
The hypocrites initially accepted Islam but later turned away from it. As a result of their insincerity, Allah sealed their hearts, preventing them from understanding the truth. This reflects the danger of rejecting faith after accepting it, which leads to spiritual blindness.

4.

And when you see them, their forms please you; and if they speak, you listen to their speech. They are [like] blocks of wood propped up, thinking that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them! How are they deluded?

Explanation:
The hypocrites may appear outwardly impressive and speak eloquently, but they are empty inside. The verse compares them to "blocks of wood propped up," meaning they are devoid of real substance or understanding. They are constantly suspicious, thinking that others are against them, and are the true enemies of the believers. The verse warns the believers to be cautious of them and prays for their destruction due to their hypocrisy.

5.

And when it is said to them, "Come, the Messenger of Allah will ask forgiveness for you," they turn their heads aside and you see them evading while they are arrogant.

Explanation:
When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) invites them to seek forgiveness from Allah, they arrogantly turn away. This highlights their insincerity and pride, as they refuse to humble themselves and repent.

6.

It is the same for them whether you ask forgiveness for them or do not ask forgiveness for them. Never will Allah forgive them. Indeed, Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.

Explanation:
The hypocrites are so deeply entrenched in their disbelief and arrogance that seeking forgiveness for them will not benefit them. Allah will not guide them, as they have chosen to persist in their rebellion against the truth.

7.

They are the ones who say, "Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah until they desert him." And to Allah belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.

Explanation:
This verse refers to the hypocrites who discouraged others from supporting the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) financially, hoping to weaken the community by withholding resources. Allah owns everything in the heavens and the Earth, and the hypocrites fail to understand that their actions will not harm Allah’s plan.

8.

They say, "If we return to al-Madinah, the more honored [for power] will surely expel therefrom the meaner." But honor belongs to Allah and to His Messenger and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know.

Explanation:
The hypocrites believed that they would gain power if they returned to Madinah and that they could expel the weak. However, true honor belongs only to Allah, His Messenger, and the believers. The hypocrites fail to recognize this truth.

9.

O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that – then those are the losers.

Explanation:
This verse serves as a reminder to believers not to let their wealth or children distract them from remembering Allah. If one becomes too absorbed in worldly possessions and relationships, they risk losing their spiritual well-being and ultimately their success in the Hereafter.

10.

And spend in the way of Allah from what We have provided for you before death approaches one of you and he says, "My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous."

Explanation:
Believers are urged to spend in the cause of Allah from the resources that He has provided before death comes. When faced with death, a person may wish for more time to give charity and do righteous deeds, but such opportunities are lost once death arrives.

11.

But never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come. And Allah is Informed of what you do.

Explanation:
Once the appointed time for a person's death has arrived, there is no delaying it. Allah knows everything, including what people do in their lives. This verse encourages believers to take action while they still have the opportunity, as death can come unexpectedly.

Summary of Surah Al-Munafiqun:

Surah Al-Munafiqun addresses the issue of hypocrisy within the Muslim community. It describes the behavior of the hypocrites, who outwardly claim to be Muslim but act in ways that contradict the teachings of Islam. Their insincerity, arrogance, and efforts to undermine the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the believers are condemned. The Surah also emphasizes the importance of sincerity in faith, the dangers of being distracted by worldly possessions, and the need for repentance and charity before it is too late.

The Surah serves as a warning to the believers to avoid hypocrisy and to remain true to their faith, always striving to please Allah and contribute to the welfare of the community.

Surah Al Munafiqun in English Translation with Explain