In discussions about Islamic theology and sectarian differences, the term Taqiyyah is often mentioned, particularly in reference to Shi’a Islam. Critics have at times accused Shiites of practicing deceit through taqiyyah, claiming it is a doctrine that permits or even encourages lying for religious or political gain. However, this portrayal is often misleading and lacks nuance.
Taqiyyah is indeed a concept found within Shi'a Islam, but it is rooted in historical necessity, survival, and religious protection — not blanket permission to lie. To understand the concept fully, one must explore its theological background, historical context, and interpretations within Shi’a thought, particularly in contrast to Sunni perspectives.
What is Taqiyyah?
The Arabic word taqiyyah (تقيّة) comes from the root w-q-y, meaning "to guard" or "to protect." In Islamic jurisprudence, it refers to the practice of concealing one’s beliefs or identity when under threat, especially to avoid persecution, harm, or death.
In its essence, taqiyyah is not about deception in the usual sense of the word. Rather, it is about self-preservation when openly professing faith would bring harm. It is considered a form of religious dispensation, similar to how even in Christianity or Judaism, preserving life can override certain religious duties.
Qur’anic Foundation
The concept of taqiyyah is based on several verses in the Qur’an. One commonly cited verse is:
“Let not the believers take the disbelievers as allies instead of the believers... except if you fear them.”
— Qur’an 3:28
Another is the story of Ammar ibn Yasir, a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was tortured by the Quraysh and forced to renounce Islam. He did so verbally, though his heart remained firm in belief. When he told the Prophet what happened, the Prophet reassured him that God judges the heart, not mere words under duress. This is cited in:
“Except he who is forced [to renounce] while his heart is secure in faith...”
— Qur’an 16:106
These verses are not exclusive to Shi'a Islam — Sunni scholars also accept these passages as allowing verbal dissimulation in cases of extreme danger.
Why Is Taqiyyah Associated More Strongly with Shiites?
While both Sunni and Shi’a jurisprudence acknowledge taqiyyah in principle, Shi’a Muslims historically practiced it more often, due to centuries of persecution by political and religious authorities aligned with Sunni Islam.
Historical Context
-
Early Shi’a Muslims were often minorities living under Sunni-majority rule.
-
Shiite Imams and their followers were frequently subject to intimidation, imprisonment, and execution for holding views that were deemed heretical or politically threatening.
-
The Imams themselves, such as Ja’far al-Sadiq and Musa al-Kazim, advised followers to hide their beliefs when necessary for safety.
-
During the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, Shiites had to conceal their allegiance to Imam Ali and his descendants due to state repression.
In such an environment, taqiyyah was not merely theological — it was a means of survival. It allowed Shiites to live and maintain their community and traditions without falling victim to political violence.
Taqiyyah in Shi’a Theology
In Twelver Shiism, the largest branch of Shi’a Islam, taqiyyah is seen as a temporary concession — not a general license to lie, but a principle that can be applied under specific, extreme conditions.
Key Features:
-
Permissible, not obligatory — It's allowed when necessary, but not always required.
-
Limited to threat or danger — It does not apply in regular interactions or to deceive others without cause.
-
Primarily about survival, not manipulation — It's about avoiding harm, not advancing political agendas deceptively.
-
Used defensively, not offensively — Unlike propaganda or misinformation, it is not about spreading falsehood for gain.
One famous statement attributed to Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq is:
“Taqiyyah is my religion and the religion of my forefathers. There is no faith for the one who does not practice taqiyyah.”
This is sometimes misunderstood as promoting deceit, but within context, the Imam was stressing that under persecution, concealing faith is not a betrayal — it is a protection of it.
Common Misconceptions
1. “Shiites are allowed to lie to non-Muslims.”
False. Taqiyyah is not about general lying to non-Muslims or even other Muslims. It is about concealing religious identity or belief when there is a credible threat. It’s not about daily interactions or manipulating others.
2. “Shiites use taqiyyah to infiltrate governments or deceive others.”
This is a conspiracy theory with no theological basis. Taqiyyah is not a political strategy for domination; it's a historical response to persecution. Most Shiite scholars emphasize truthfulness and transparency in public and private life.
3. “Shiites are commanded to lie.”
Taqiyyah is not mandatory in most cases. It is a permissible act under duress — similar to how even in Christian or Jewish traditions, individuals may be excused for actions taken under coercion.
Sunni Views on Taqiyyah
While often less emphasized, Sunni jurisprudence also allows for lying or dissimulation in extreme circumstances — particularly when it comes to protecting life.
Sunni scholar Imam Al-Nawawi, for example, in his commentary on Sahih Muslim, wrote that lying is permitted in three cases: war, reconciliation between people, and protecting an innocent person from harm.
In other words, both Sunni and Shi’a traditions recognize moral flexibility under duress, but taqiyyah became more prominent in Shi’a thought due to historical necessity.
Modern-Day Relevance
Today, most Shiites do not practice taqiyyah in their daily lives. In countries where Shiites are free to express their faith, they do so openly. In places where sectarian tension remains, such as parts of the Middle East, taqiyyah may still be practiced discreetly to avoid discrimination or violence — not unlike how religious minorities worldwide have sometimes concealed identity to avoid harm.
Conclusion: Taqiyyah is Not Deception — It's Defense
The Shi’a doctrine of taqiyyah is frequently misunderstood, often portrayed in bad faith as an excuse for dishonesty. In reality, it is a historically grounded, ethically constrained principle that permits a believer to hide their faith under extreme threat, much like other traditions allow for ethical flexibility when life or safety is at stake.
Rather than viewing taqiyyah as a license to deceive, it should be seen as a survival mechanism that allowed an oppressed religious community to endure centuries of hostility. It's a testament not to falsehood, but to the desire to preserve truth in the face of danger.
Further Reading:
-
Taqiyyah in Shi’i Thought — by Etan Kohlberg
-
Shi‘ism: A Religion of Protest — by Hamid Dabashi
-
Islam: The Straight Path — by John L. Esposito
-
The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Theology
No comments:
Post a Comment