Author: Alaaddin Başar (Prof.Dr.), 11-4-2006

It is concealed an important ethico-moral discipline method in the hadith. Every Muslim knows very well that lying, not keeping promises, betraying a trust do not make someone a hypocrite. Nevertheless, we all know that a hypocrite is much more contemptible than an unbeliever is. Because, even though a hypocrite is an unbeliever in actuality, he is someone who hides his disbelief and who seems like a Muslim. This person is a secret enemy of Islam, and he is much more dangerous than an open enemy is. It is not known when and where he is going to hit you.

Now, it is impossible to make such a claim as, “A Muslim who lies is much more disgraceful than a hypocrite is.”

Therefore, we should understand the subtlety of the hadith as follows:
Messenger of God (peace be upon him) warns believers with the following Hadith as, “Do not even come close to sins! Because those are the attributes of a hypocrite who is much more contemptible than an unbeliever.”

This is exceptionally a drastic method of warning and abstaining. Without scenting such subtlety, accusing a Muslim who committed such sins with discord is a crime as pronouncing someone an infidel; and ill willing.

Unfortunately, we coincide with many people who pronounce impious Muslims as unbelievers, today. How about our late erudite, wise people and leaders of the past? How did they handle such matters?

Today, Islamic World is need of a keen Muslim figure who could care impious people like a caring father.

People who are unaware of moral betterment, who think cussing a patient is curing; and obnoxious, unreasonable, unkind, and bad tempered people cannot represent Islam.

The following hadith, at this point is a leading light through the way of finding the truth for all believers; Abu Huraira narrated: the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) was asked to curse the infidels. He said, "I have not been sent to curse people but as a mercy to all mankind." (Sahih Muslim)