Identifying Deceitful, Cunning, and Corrupt-Natured People & How to Protect Yourself from Them
Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam
Calls cunningness “intelligence”
Feels proud after deceiving others or gaining through falsehood, labeling it as “wisdom.”
Gentle face, wicked heart
Appears respectful on the outside, speaks softly, but harbors malice, jealousy, and plots inside.
Creates conflicts between people
Twists words to ignite disputes, engages in slander and spreading mistrust.
﴿هَمَّازٖ مَّشَّآءٍۭ بِنَمِيمٍ﴾
“Defamer, going about with malicious gossip.”
(Surah Al-Qalam 68:11)
Constantly shifts sides
An opportunist — joins whichever side benefits him, loyal to no one.
Willing to sell faith, religion, and relationships for personal gain
Lies, unlawful acts, fraud — all for self-interest.
Sarcasm, mockery, and hidden stinging remarks
Repeatedly humiliates others under the guise of “joking.”
Conceals the truth behind words
Says one thing but means another — tongue and heart are not aligned.
Constantly engaged in backbiting, slander, and conspiracy
Especially against righteous people or those he opposes, continuously spreading poison.
Plays the victim and innocent
After every deceitful act, claims “I’m innocent, everyone is against me” to gain sympathy.
Expert in extracting secrets but untrustworthy
Will make you reveal everything, then disclose your secrets to others.
Hides enmity under the cover of friendship
Those who sit closest may cause the greatest harm.
Considers unlawful earnings as success
Bribery, lies, fraud, deceit — calls it “smartness” while labeling the lawful as foolishness.
Always sees himself as superior
Exhibits arrogance, pride, and a sense of superiority.
Plans to destroy others
Fueled by jealousy, schemes to ruin others’ honor, livelihood, or relationships.
No fear of Allah, no shame
Commits sins without conscience or remembrance of Allah.
اللّٰهُمَّ أَرِنِي الوُجُوهَ كَمَا هِيَ، وَافْضَحْ مَن يُخَادِعُنِي، وَاكْشِفْ لِي مَنْ يُضْمِرُ لِي شَرًّا، وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنَ الصَّادِقِينَ
“O Allah! Show me people’s faces as they truly are, disgrace the one who deceives me, expose the one who harbors evil against me, and make me among the truthful.”
Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam
Signs of a Cunning/Deceitful Person
Calls cunningness “intelligence”
Feels proud after deceiving others or gaining through falsehood, labeling it as “wisdom.”
Gentle face, wicked heart
Appears respectful on the outside, speaks softly, but harbors malice, jealousy, and plots inside.
Creates conflicts between people
Twists words to ignite disputes, engages in slander and spreading mistrust.
﴿هَمَّازٖ مَّشَّآءٍۭ بِنَمِيمٍ﴾
“Defamer, going about with malicious gossip.”
(Surah Al-Qalam 68:11)
Constantly shifts sides
An opportunist — joins whichever side benefits him, loyal to no one.
Willing to sell faith, religion, and relationships for personal gain
Lies, unlawful acts, fraud — all for self-interest.
Sarcasm, mockery, and hidden stinging remarks
Repeatedly humiliates others under the guise of “joking.”
Conceals the truth behind words
Says one thing but means another — tongue and heart are not aligned.
Constantly engaged in backbiting, slander, and conspiracy
Especially against righteous people or those he opposes, continuously spreading poison.
Plays the victim and innocent
After every deceitful act, claims “I’m innocent, everyone is against me” to gain sympathy.
Expert in extracting secrets but untrustworthy
Will make you reveal everything, then disclose your secrets to others.
Hides enmity under the cover of friendship
Those who sit closest may cause the greatest harm.
Considers unlawful earnings as success
Bribery, lies, fraud, deceit — calls it “smartness” while labeling the lawful as foolishness.
Always sees himself as superior
Exhibits arrogance, pride, and a sense of superiority.
Plans to destroy others
Fueled by jealousy, schemes to ruin others’ honor, livelihood, or relationships.
No fear of Allah, no shame
Commits sins without conscience or remembrance of Allah.
Strategies to Protect Yourself from Them
| Action | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Recite Surah Al-Furqan, verses 63–77 | Recognize the traits of sincere servants of Allah |
| Engage in Istighfar and Du‘a | Enlightens the heart and helps identify enemies |
| Silence + Observation | A cunning person reveals himself through his actions |
| Test twice, trust once | Apply this rule to avoid being deceived |
Supplication for Protection
اللّٰهُمَّ أَرِنِي الوُجُوهَ كَمَا هِيَ، وَافْضَحْ مَن يُخَادِعُنِي، وَاكْشِفْ لِي مَنْ يُضْمِرُ لِي شَرًّا، وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنَ الصَّادِقِينَ
“O Allah! Show me people’s faces as they truly are, disgrace the one who deceives me, expose the one who harbors evil against me, and make me among the truthful.”
