It is narrated from Ubaidullah bin Adi that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was sitting among the people when a man came and whispered something in the ear of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. We did not know what he was saying until the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, raised his voice and spoke out. Then it became clear that the man was seeking permission from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to kill a hypocrite. When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, spoke out, he said: "Does that person not bear witness to the fact that there is no true deity except Allah, and that Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is indeed His Messenger?" The man replied: Yes, but his testimony is of no value. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Does he not perform prayer?" He replied: Yes, he does, but his prayer is of no value. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Allah has forbidden me from killing such people."