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Elucidating the Behaviors of the Hypocrites in Medina… M. Bagheri Sadr (31
Prophet through these remarks” 8. Breaking of Covenants
(ʿĀmilī, 1994, Vol. 6, p. 122). Breaking covenants is another
The hypocrites in Medina exhibited characteristic of the hypocrites, which
destructive behavior by reproaching is mentioned in the Quran and Ḥadīth.
and mocking the believers during The hypocrites, like other members of
hardships and resenting their society, outwardly professed Islam,
successes, intending to weaken their thus signing a pact of cooperation and
morale. The Quran highlights their solidarity with the Muslims and the
actions, contrasting them with the Islamic government under any
Islamic principles of constructive circumstances. They were obligated to
reproach aimed at improving defend Islam and the Prophet against
individuals' behavior without their enemies. However, in several
attacking their character. Constructive battles, they broke this practical
reproach involves critiquing covenant with the people. Sometimes,
undesirable traits privately to avoid they refrained from joining the
embarrassment, as advocated by Imam Muslim army before the battle even
Ali, “Reproaching someone in front of started, and at other times, they would
others is an attack on their character” retreat or flee after the battle had
(Āmadī, 1990, Vol.1, p. 720). begun and the dire situation of the war
However, public criticism may be became apparent.
necessary in cases where harmful This issue was addressed earlier in
practices might influence others the discussion of the Battle of Uhud.
(Sharīf al-Razī, 1993, p. 98). Similarly, in the Battle of the Trench,
Constructive reproach, rooted in after the enemies of Islam, with their
sincere intentions, is vital for fostering overwhelming armies, created a
correction and maintaining trust. In critical situation at the gates of
contrast, destructive reproach, Medina, the hypocrites abandoned the
stemming from arrogance, seeks to battlefield. The Quran stated,
harm reputations and violates the “Though they had already pledged to
principle of ‘enjoining good and Allah before that they would not turn
forbidding evil’. Imam Baqir narrates their backs [to flee], and pledges
from the Prophet, “It is enough of a given to Allah are accountable” (The
fault for a man that he looks at the Quran, 33: 15). That is, they had
flaws of others but fails to see his previously made a covenant with
own, or that he reproaches others for Allah not to turn their backs on the
actions that he commits” (Kulaynī, enemy, and the covenant made with
1986, Vol. 2, p. 459).
