Hadith #9

IslamWiki Explanation — IslamWiki Scholarly Team

The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Three are the signs of a hypocrite: When he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; when he is entrusted, he betrays the trust.' This is one of the most important hadiths on hypocrisy (nifaq). Imam al-Nawawi clarifies that scholars have two interpretations: (1) one who has all three traits regularly is a perfect hypocrite (munafiq kamil); (2) these traits are characteristics of hypocrisy even if the person is not a complete hypocrite. Ibn Hajar explains that these specific three acts were identified because each involves deceiving others who are relying on you — in speech, in commitment, and in stewardship. This is why they were identified as the signs of the hypocrite rather than other sins. Ibn Uthaymin adds that a Muslim can have traits of hypocrisy while still being a believer — the concern should motivate self-examination and improvement. The additional narration adds 'even if he prays, fasts, and claims to be Muslim' as a warning against being deceived by outward religiosity.