93/27. Chapter:
Sahih Bukhari 7178 — Hypocrisy in Speech
Praising the Sultan and saying differently after leaving him
Hadith About Hypocrisy in Speech Before Rulers
Sahih Bukhari : 7178
Sahih BukhariHadith Number 7178
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو نُعَيْمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَاصِمُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ زَيْدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ أُنَاسٌ لاِبْنِ عُمَرَ إِنَّا نَدْخُلُ عَلَى سُلْطَانِنَا فَنَقُولُ لَهُمْ خِلاَفَ مَا نَتَكَلَّمُ إِذَا خَرَجْنَا مِنْ عِنْدِهِمْ قَالَ كُنَّا نَعُدُّهَا نِفَاقًا.
Muhammad bin Zaid bin `Abdullah bin `Umar Narrated from:
Some people said to Ibn `Umar, "When we enter upon our ruler(s) we say in their praise what is contrary to what we say when we leave them." Ibn `Umar said, "We used to consider this as hypocrisy."
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 7178In-book reference : Book 93, Hadith 41USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 9, Book 89, Hadith 289
Summary of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 7178
This report is about hypocrisy in speech. Some people told Ibn Umar that when they entered upon their rulers, they praised them in one way, but when they left, they spoke differently. Ibn Umar replied, “We used to consider this as hypocrisy.” The hadith about hypocrisy in speech gives a direct warning against double speech, especially when it is used to please someone in power while hiding the opposite view. The text does not discuss every case of speaking wisely or avoiding harm, so the lesson should remain focused on the stated action: praising in front and saying the opposite after leaving. It teaches honesty, consistency, and fear of becoming two-faced in speech.
What we learn from this hadith
- Saying one thing in front of rulers and the opposite after leaving is condemned in this report.
- Speech should not become a tool for false praise.
- Consistency in words is part of honest conduct.
- A believer should be careful of behavior that resembles hypocrisy.
