Names
This surah is called Surat Al-Munafiqin or Al-Munafiqun. [397] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 28/231.
It was narrated that Zayd ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) said: ? The following morning, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) recited Surat Al-Munafiqin. [398] Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, 3313; At-Tabarani, 5/187, 5041; Al-Hakim, 3812.
Virtues and characteristics
It is Sunnah to recite it in the second rak?ah of Jumu?ah prayer. It was narrated from Ibn ?Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to recite in Jumu?ah prayer Surat Al-Jumu?ah and Al-Munafiqin. [399] Narrated by Muslim, 879. ?
Makki or Madani?
Surat Al-Munafiqin is Madani; more than one of the commentators narrated that there was scholarly consensus regarding that. [400] Those who narrated that there was scholarly consensus regarding that include: Ibn ?Atiyyah, Ibn Al-Jawzi and Al-Qurtubi. See: Tafsir Ibn ?Atiyyah, 5/285; Tafsir Ibn Al-Jawzi, 4/286; Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, 18/120.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
Exposing the attitude and behaviour of the hypocrites and what they were harbouring in their hearts, and their vile natures. [401] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 28/233; At-Tantawi: At-Tafsir Al-Wasit, 14/398.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Munafiqin include:
A description of the hypocrites and their evil characteristics, such as lying, swearing false oaths, and cowardice.
Prohibition on forgetting to remember Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, and being heedless of Him.
Urging the believers to obey and worship Allah, and to spend wealth before their lives come to an end.