۞ وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَهُمْ تُعْجِبُكَ أَجْسَامُهُمْ ۖ وَإِن يَقُولُوا۟ تَسْمَعْ لِقَوْلِهِمْ ۖ كَأَنَّهُمْ خُشُبٌ مُّسَنَّدَةٌ ۖ يَحْسَبُونَ كُلَّ صَيْحَةٍ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ هُمُ ٱلْعَدُوُّ فَٱحْذَرْهُمْ ۚ قَـٰتَلَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ۖ أَنَّىٰ يُؤْفَكُونَ 4
Translations
And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. [They are] as if they were pieces of wood propped up - they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allāh destroy them; how are they deluded?
Transliteration
Wa-idha ra-aytahum tu'jibuka ajsamuhum wa-in yaqulu tasma' liqawlihim ka-annahum khushubun musannada yahsabun kulla sayha 'alayhim humul-'aduwwu fa-hdharhum qatalahum-Allahu anna ya'ufakun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the hypocrites' deceptive nature: outwardly they appear impressive in physique and articulate in speech, yet inwardly they lack substance and faith, compared to wooden logs merely leaning against walls. They are so spiritually deaf and paranoid that they suspect every sound is directed against them. The passage concludes with a stern warning to be cautious of these enemies of Islam, invoking divine curse upon them. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this vivid imagery illustrates how hypocrisy creates an empty exterior devoid of true belief and understanding.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Medina during the period when hypocrites (munafiqun) had become a significant threat to the Muslim community. These were individuals who outwardly professed Islam while harboring disbelief and enmity in their hearts. This particular ayah addresses their defining characteristics—superficial appeal coupled with spiritual emptiness and malicious intent—serving as guidance for believers to recognize and guard against such deception.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The sign of a hypocrite is that he has three qualities: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays.' (Sahih Bukhari 33). Related thematically: 'Verily, the most truthful of you in speech are those who fear Allah most' (Tirmidhi), emphasizing the opposite virtue hypocrites lack.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should not be deceived by superficial charm, eloquence, or physical appearance; true worth lies in sincere faith and righteous character. This ayah teaches the importance of spiritual discernment—examining the hearts and intentions behind words and actions—to protect oneself from those whose apparent friendliness masks hidden enmity toward Islam and Muslims.