Al-Munafiqun, "The Hypocrites," is the sixty-third surah — 11 verses revealed in Medina.1 The Prophet ﷺ used to recite it, together with Al-Jumu'ah, in the Friday prayer.5
What it is about
The surah opens with a testimony that is true in words and false in heart: "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." They are impressive to look at and eloquent to hear — "as if they were pieces of wood propped up — they think that every shout is against them."2
Their words reveal them: "Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah until they disband," and "If we return to al-Madinah, the more honored [for power] will surely expel therefrom the more humble." The surah answers: "to Allah belongs [all] honor, and to His Messenger, and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know."3
It then turns to every believer: "let not your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah... And spend... 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 of the righteous.' But never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come."4
Why it matters
Al-Munafiqun gives the Quran's sharpest portrait of hypocrisy — correct words, attractive appearance, hollow and fearful within — and warns that the same danger faces any believer who lets wealth and family crowd out God. Its image of the dying person begging for a little more time to give charity is one of the Quran's most urgent reminders not to delay good. To read Al-Munafiqun in Arabic with translations and recitation, open it on Quran.com.