“The worst of people is the one who is two-faced and double-tongued…”
— Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him)[1]
Hypocrisy, duplicity, or double-tongued behavior essentially refers to the contradiction between one’s outward appearance and inner beliefs. Some people are highly skilled at this characteristic, to the point where no other living being comes close to matching them. However, it should not be assumed that because concealing and hiding one’s thoughts and feelings is a human trait, it is always a natural characteristic that can be used at any time.
What is truly virtuous is the ability to conceal one’s opinions and to keep one’s internal beliefs and emotions private, because in some situations, it may not be necessary for one to reveal their beliefs. This could be because others may not be receptive to them or because their malicious intent might create trouble for the person expressing them.
Additionally, one does not always need to express their feelings openly. It is good etiquette not to display sorrow or distress on one’s face, so as not to burden others with one’s personal troubles.
However, what is deficient, and what is called hypocrisy and duplicity, is when a person uses this ability to deceive and mislead others. Therefore, while concealing one’s opinion is a natural human trait, misusing it for selfish reasons is an abuse of this human capability.
Unfortunately, some people make the mistake of considering hypocrisy, deceit, and trickery as assets and label them as cleverness. In contrast, they view honesty, transparency, and straightforwardness as signs of naivety, believing that with cunning, deceit, and hypocrisy, they can succeed. They are unaware that the nature of the world is based on truth and sincerity.
For this reason, the Holy Quran continually emphasizes honesty, truthfulness, and transparency. It loudly declares that trickery, deception, and hypocrisy—despite any temporary advancements—are doomed to fail, and time will eventually expose and destroy deceit, shattering the falsehoods of hypocrisy
“(You hypocrites,) are like those who came before you. They were mightier than you, and had more wealth and children. They enjoyed their portion just as you have enjoyed your portion. You have indulged in sin just as they did. Their deeds were wasted in this world and the hereafter, and they are the ultimate losers!” [2]
“…The wicked schemes of deceit will only harm their own creators…” [3]
In this context, Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him), in addressing this matter, considers the two-faced and double-tongued person the worst of people. They use their deceptive appearance and language as tools to conceal the truth.
Indeed, the foundation of the world is built on truth, not on lies and deceit. Truly, one cannot mock the genuine order of the world and deceive it through trickery.
(Adapted from the book “Wisdom and Advice,” authored by Martyr Morteza Motahhari (may his soul rest in peace), with edits and additions.)
Footnotes:
[1] (Tuhaf al-Uqul, page 486)
[2] (Surah At-Tawbah, verse 69)
[3] (Surah Fatir, verse 43)