"Interpretive perspectives regarding the presence of hypocrites (Munafiqin) in the eras of Mecca and Medina are not uniform. The existence of Quranic verses concerning hypocrisy in Medinan Surahs has led to the common assumption that this phenomenon is exclusive to the period of the formation of the Islamic government in Medina. Proponents of this theory argue that the primary motivation for hypocrisy was fear of the ruling power, and since Muslims possessed no such power in Mecca, there was no reason for anyone to feign faith out of fear. Conversely, others reject the idea that fear is the sole motive for hypocrisy and have thus argued for the presence of hypocrites in Mecca as well.
Given that two verses from the early Meccan revelations contain the terms ‘those in whose hearts is a disease’ (Surah Al-Muddaththir: 31) and ‘the hypocrites’ (Surah Al-Ankabut: 11), the hypothesis arises that these ‘diseased-hearted’ individuals are synonymous with ‘hypocrites,’ thereby serving as evidence for the existence of hypocrisy in Mecca.
Using a conceptual-comparative analysis, this paper aims to examine the most significant exegetical viewpoints, with a primary focus on the interpretive thought of Ayatollah Khamenei, to answer the following question: What is the relationship between ‘diseased-hearted’ (Fi qulubihim marad) and ‘hypocrisy’ (Nifaq) based on the chronological order of the revelation of Surahs Al-Muddaththir, Al-Ankabut, and Al-Baqarah?
The research findings indicate that these two categories are distinct concepts, with hypocrisy being a manifestation of ‘heart disease’; thus, not every person with a diseased heart is necessarily a hypocrite. Consequently, one can posit a ‘general-specific’ (am-o-khas) relationship between these two terms. Furthermore, the concept of hypocrisy is not monolithic, allowing for a distinction between individual hypocrisy and social hypocrisy. This distinction provides a basis for the varying viewpoints regarding the causes and presence of hypocrisy in both Meccan and Medinan eras."