Indeed, We Belong to Allah and To Him We Shall Return

As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh, Today in Gaza, those who betray and collaborate continue to support the oppressors-turning against our steadfast brothers who have endured the enemy’s aggression for two years, only to be harmed by betrayal from within. This reminds us why Allah mentions the hypocrites so often in the Qur’an, especially in the chapters about struggle like Al ‘Imran, At-Tawbah, and Al-Ahzab. Their mention is no coincidence; it’s a warning that the enemy within can be more dangerous than the enemy outside. Traitors like those responsible for the killing of our brother Saleh al-Ja‘frawi-who stood strong against the occupation-are unfortunately not few. They exist throughout our Muslim lands, heirs to the hypocrites Allah warned about. They don’t hesitate to harm the righteous and those who seek reform when given the chance. We’ve seen this in Yemen, Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq, and beyond. In Palestine-especially outside Gaza-their numbers grow even larger. The enemies have nurtured them with lies and deceit, turning them into weapons against the defenders of Gaza. Still, in many circles, speaking openly about their hypocrisy is considered forbidden because it supposedly threatens unity. The next generation of reformers must recognize these hypocrites, avoid flattering them, and clearly document their actions. We need to build awareness about who they are, their alliances, and their moves. This is the moment to define loyalty and disavowal by the standards of Islam and its sacred cause. To truly grasp the danger of hypocrisy, we must remember: - Why Allah calls the enemies within the Ummah "hypocrites" - Why He warns them of the lowest depths of Hell - Why He considers them more harmful than any external enemy - And why He revealed the whole surah Al-Munafiqun to expose their sick hearts until the Day of Judgment They are described as treacherous, deceitful, cowardly, backbiting, corrupt, and liars. Allah tells us they do not wish good for the believers, they divide the community, weaken the Ummah, and spread discord. They are often closer in heart to Islam’s enemies than to its followers. The warning is so serious that Allah says: "They are the enemy, so beware of them." He teaches us to recognize them by their signs and mannerisms so they cannot deceive us or break our unity. Betrayal is the only sin the Qur’an declares absolutely intolerable, one with no excuse. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sought refuge from their harm, saying the worst threat to the Ummah would come from hypocrites-those who speak beautifully but act treacherously. Our Ummah has never faced a trial like theirs. Every hardship and loss bears some mark of their betrayal. But Allah promises their deceit will ultimately destroy them: "They betray none but themselves." (Qur’an 4:108) So we pray: Ya Allah, we disassociate from every hypocrite and traitor to the Muslims. Ya Allah, turn their schemes back on them and protect the sincere among Your servants. May Allah accept our righteous brothers who were martyred by betrayal in Gaza. May Allah accept you among the martyrs, dear Saleh al-Ja‘frawi, and may He curse the traitors, hypocrites, and wrongdoers. *Hasbiyallahu wa ni‘mal wakeel.*