InIslam,taqiyya (Arabic:تقیة,romanized: taqiyyah,lit. 'prudence')[1][2] is a concept that refers to aMuslim concealing their faith or religious identity to protect themselves from danger.[1][3][4] Althoughtaqiyya has become a systematic doctrine, particularly in theShiite tradition, it is also considered a legitimate practice under certain conditions inSunni sources.[5][6][7][8] The practice of concealing one's beliefs has existed since the early days of Islam; early Muslims did so to avoid persecution or violence by non-Muslim governments or individuals.[9][10]
The use oftaqiyya has varied in recent history, especially betweenSunni Muslims andShia Muslims. Sunni Muslims gained political supremacy over time and therefore only occasionally found the need to practicetaqiyya. On the other hand, Shia Muslims, as well asSufi Muslims developedtaqiyya as a method of self-preservation and protection in hostile environments.[11]
A related term iskitmān (lit. 'action of covering' or'dissimulation'), which has a more specific meaning of dissimulation by silence or omission.[12][13] This practice is emphasized inShi'ism whereby adherents are permitted to conceal their beliefs when under threat ofpersecution or compulsion.[3][14]
Taqiyya was initially practiced under duress by some ofMuhammad's companions.[15] Later, it became important for Sufis, but even more so for Shias, who often experienced persecution as a religious minority.[14][16] In Shia theology,taqiyya is permissible in situations where life or property are at risk and whereby no danger to religion would occur.[14]Taqiyya has also been politically legitimised inTwelver Shi'ism, to maintain unity among Muslims and fraternity among Shia clerics.[17][18]
The termtaqiyya is derived from the Arabictriliteral rootwāw-qāf-yā denoting "caution, fear",[1] "prudence, guarding against (a danger)",[19] "carefulness, wariness".[20] In the sense of "prudence, fear" it can be used synonymously with the termstuqa(n),tuqāt,taqwá, andittiqāʾ, which are derived from the same root.[12] These terms also have other meanings. For example, the term taqwá generally means "piety" (lit. 'fear of God') in an Islamic context.[21]
A related term iskitmān (Arabic:كتمان), the "action of covering, dissimulation".[12] While the terms taqiyya and kitmān may be used synonymously, kitmān refers specifically to the concealment of one's convictions by silence or omission.[13] Kitman derives from Arabickatama "to conceal, to hide".[22]Ibadis used kitmān to conceal their Muslim beliefs in the face of persecution by their enemies.[23]
The technical meaning of the termtaqiyya is thought[by whom?] to be derived from theQuranic reference to religious dissimulation inSura 3:28:
Believers should not take disbelievers as guardians instead of the believers—and whoever does so will have nothing to hope for from Allah—unless it is a precaution against their tyranny. And Allah warns you about Himself. And to Allah is the final return. (illā antattaqū minhumtuqāt).
The two wordstattaqū ("you fear") andtuqāt "in fear" are derived from the same root astaqiyya, and the use oftaqiyya about the general principle described in this passage is first recorded in a Qur'anic gloss byMuhammad al-Bukhari in the 9th century.[citation needed]
Regarding 3:28,ibn Kathir writes, "meaning, except those believers who in some areas or times fear for their safety from the disbelievers. In this case, such believers are allowed to show friendship to the disbelievers outwardly, but never inwardly." He quotes theCompanion of the ProphetAbu al-Darda, who said "we smile in the face of some people although our hearts curse them," andHasan ibn Ali, who said, "the tuqyah is acceptable till theDay of Resurrection."[24]
A similar instance of the Qur'an permitting dissimulation under compulsion is found inSurah An-Nahl16:106[25]Sunni and Shia commentators alike observe that verse 16:106 refers to the case of'Ammar b. Yasir, who was forced to renounce his beliefs under physical duress and torture.[13]
The basic principle of taqiyya is agreed upon by scholars, though they tend to restrict it to dealing with non-Muslims and when under compulsion (ikrāh), while Shia jurists also allow it in interactions with Muslims and in all necessary matters (ḍarūriyāt).[26] In Sunni jurisprudence protecting one's belief during extreme or exigent circumstances is calledidtirar (إضطرار), which translates to "being forced" or "being coerced", and this word is not specific to concealing the faith; for example, under the jurisprudence ofidtirar one is allowed to consumeprohibited food (e.g. pork) to avoid starving to death.[27] Additionally, denying one's faith under duress is "only at most permitted and not under all circumstances obligatory".[28]
Al-Tabari comments on sura XVI, verse 106 (Tafsir, Bulak 1323, xxiv, 122): "If any one is compelled and professes unbelief with his tongue, while his heart contradicts him, in order to escape his enemies, no blame falls on him, because God takes his servants as their hearts believe." This verse was recorded afterAmmar Yasir was forced by the idolaters ofMecca to recant his faith and denounce theIslamic prophetMuhammad. Al-Tabari explains that concealing one's faith is only justified if the person is in mortal danger, and even thenmartyrdom is considered a noble alternative. If threatened, it would be preferable for a Muslim to migrate to a more peaceful place where a person may practice their faith openly, "since God's earth is wide."[28] InHadith, in the Sunni commentary ofSahih al-Bukhari, known as theFath al-Bari, it is stated that:[29]
أجمعوا على أن من أكره على الكفر واختار القتل أنه أعظم أجرا عند الله ممن اختار الرخصة ، وأما غير الكفر فإن أكره على أكل الخنزير وشرب الخمر مثلا فالفعل أولى
Which translates to:
There is a consensus that whomsoever is forced into apostasy and chooses death has a greater reward than a person who takes the license [to deny one's faith under duress], but if a person is being forced to eat pork or drink wine, then they should do that [instead of choosing death].
Al-Ghazali wrote in hisThe Revival of the Religious Sciences:
Safeguarding of a Muslim's life is a mandatory obligation that should be observed; and that lying is permissible when the shedding of a Muslim's blood is at stake.
Ibn Sa'd, in his bookal-Tabaqat al-Kubra, narrates on the authority ofIbn Sirin:
The Prophet (S) saw 'Ammar Ibn Yasir (ra) crying, so he (S) wiped off his (ra) tears, and said: "The nonbelievers arrested you and immersed you in water until you said such and such (i.e., bad-mouthing the Prophet (S) and praising the pagan gods to escape persecution); if they come back, then say it again."
Jalal al-Dinal-Suyuti, in his bookal-Ashbah Wa al-Naza'ir, affirms that:
It is acceptable (for a Muslim) to eat the meat of a dead animal at a time of great hunger (starvation to the extent that the stomach is devoid of all food); and to loosen a bite of food (for fear of choking to death) by alcohol; and to utter words of unbelief; and if one is living in an environment where evil and corruption are the pervasive norm, and permissible things (Halal) are the exception and a rarity, then one can use whatever is available to fulfill his needs.
Jalal al-Dinal-Suyuti, in his bookal-Durr al-Manthoor Fi al-Tafsir al- Ma'athoor,[30] narrates that:
Abd Ibn Hameed, on the authority of al-Hassan, said: "al-Taqiyya is permissible until the Day of Judgment."
The practice of taqiyya is not limited to any one sect within Islam. It is observed and referenced in Sunni texts of law, hadith collections, and Quranic exegesis. Although historically more extensively practiced and referenced by Shii Muslims, taqiyya is doctrinally available to Sunni Muslims as well. This challenges the negative notion that taqiyya is exclusively associated with one community or confined to a specific group.[31]
In Sunni Islamic law, as in Islamic law in general, the concept of intention (niyya) holds great importance. Merely performing an act without the right intention is considered insufficient. Afatwa issued by Ibn Abi Juma highlights the significance of one's inner state and intention in determining their identity as a Muslim. According to this fatwa, iftaqiyya is practiced with the right intention, it is not considered sinful but rather a pious act. The fatwa emphasizes that God values the intention of believers over their outward actions, and taqiyya can be seen as a form of outward expression aligned with the correct intention.[31]
WhenMamun becamecaliph (813 AD), he tried to impose his religious views on the status of the Qur'an over all his subjects, in an ordeal called themihna, or "inquisition". His views were disputed, and many of those who refused to follow his views were imprisoned, tortured, or threatened with the sword.[32] Some Sunni scholars chose to affirm Mamun's view thatthe Qur'an was created, in spite of their beliefs,[13] though a notable exception to this was scholar and theologianAhmad ibn Hanbal, who chose to endure torture instead.[33]
Following the end of theReconquista of theIberian Peninsula in 1492, Muslims were persecuted by theCatholic Monarchs andforced to convert to Christianity or face expulsion. The principle of taqiyya became very important for Muslims during theInquisition in 16th-century Spain, as it allowed them to convert to Christianity while remainingcrypto-Muslims, practicing Islam in secret. In 1504,Ubayd Allah al-Wahrani, aMalikimufti inOran,issued a fatwā allowing Muslims to make extensive use of concealment to maintain their faith.[5][34][35] This is seen as an exceptional case, since Islamic law prohibits conversion except in cases of mortal danger, and even then requires recantation as quickly as possible,[36] and al-Wahrani's reasoning diverged from that of the majority of earlier MalikiFaqīhs such asAl-Wansharisi.[35]
Minority Shi'a communities, since the earliest days of Islam, were often forced to practice pious circumspection (taqiyya) as an instinctive method of self-preservation and protection, an obligatory practice in the lands which became known as the realm of pious circumspection (dār al-taqiyya). Therefore, the recurring theme is that during times of danger feigning disbelief is allowed.[37]
Two primary aspects of circumspection became central for the Shi'a: not disclosing their association with theImams when this could put them in danger and protecting theesoteric teachings of the Imams from those who are unprepared to receive them. While in most instances, minority Shi'a communities employedtaqiyya using the façade ofSunnism in Sunni-dominated societies, the principle also allows for circumspection as other faiths. For instance, GuptiIsmaili Shi'a communities in theIndian subcontinent circumspect asHindus to avoid caste persecution. In many cases, the practice oftaqiyya became deeply ingrained into practitioners' psyche. If a believer wished, he/she could adopt this practice at moments of danger, or as a lifelong process.[38]
Kohlberg has coined the expression "prudentialtaqiyya" to describe caution due to fear of external enemies. It can be further categorized into two distinct forms: concealment and dissimulation.[citation needed]
For instance, historical accounts narrate how some Imams concealed their identities as a protective measure. In one story, the Imam Jafar al-Sadiq commended the behavior of a follower who chose to avoid direct interaction with the Imam, even though he recognized him on the street, rather than exposing him, and even cursed those who would call him by his name.[37]
Kohlberg identifies the second type of prudentialtaqiyya as dissimulation, characterized by using deceptive words or actions intended to mislead opponents. It is typically employed by individuals possessing secret information. It is not solely confined to Imami Shi'ism but has been observed among various Muslim individuals or groups with minority views. During times of danger, the recurring theme is thattaqiyya permits individuals to utter words of disbelief as a means of self-preservation. Prudentialtaqiyya is considered essential for safeguarding the faith and may be lifted when the political climate no longer poses a threat. Therefore, one way to discern the motivation behind a specific type oftaqiyya is to determine whether it ceases once the danger has subsided.[37]
Kohlberg coined the expression "non-prudentialtaqiyya" for when there is a need to conceal secret doctrines from the uninitiated. Non-prudentialtaqiyya is employed by believers when they possess secret knowledge and are obligated to conceal it from those who have not attained the same level of initiation. This hidden knowledge encompasses diverse aspects, including profound insights into specific Quranic verses, interpretations of the Imam's teachings, and specific religious obligations. The obligation to conceal arises when individuals acquire such exclusive knowledge emphasizing the importance of preserving its secrecy within the initiated community.[37]
If coupled with mental reservation, religious dissimulation is considered lawful in Twelver Shi'ism whenever life or property is at serious risk.[39][40] In Twelver theology,taqiyya also refers to hiding or safeguarding the esoteric teachings of Shia imams,[41][42][43] a practice intended to "protect the truth from those not worthy of it."[44] This esoteric knowledge (of God), taught by imams to their (true) followers, is said to distinguish them from other Muslims.[45]
Historically, the Twelver doctrine oftaqiyya was developed byMuhammad al-Baqir (d. c. 732), the fifth of thetwelve imams,[46][47][48] and later by his successor,Ja'far al-Sadiq (d. 765).[49] At the time, this doctrine was likely intended for the survival of Shia imams and their followers, for they were being brutally molested and persecuted.[50][51][52] Indeed,taqiyya is particularly relevant to Twelver Shias, for until about the sixteenth century they lived mostly as a minority among an often-hostile Sunni majority.[53][39] Traditions attributed to Shia imams thus encourage their followers to hide their faith for their safety, some even characterizingtaqiyya as a pillar of faith.[50][54][55]Theological and legal statements of Shia imams were also influenced bytaqiyya.[56][41][57] For instance, al-Baqir is not known to have publicly reviled the first two caliphs, namely, Abu Bakr and Umar,[58][59] most likely because the imam exercisedtaqiyya.[60] Indeed, al-Baqir's conviction that the Islamic prophet had explicitly designated Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor implies that Abu Bakr and Umar were usurpers.[60] More generally, whenever contradictory statements are attributed to Shia imams, those that are aligned with Sunni positions are discarded, for Shia scholars argue that such statements must have been uttered undertaqiyya.[57]
For theIsmailis in the aftermath of theMongol onslaught of theAlamut state in 1256 CE, the need to practice taqiyya became necessary, not only for the protection of the community itself, which was now stateless, but also for safeguarding the line of theNizariIsmaili Imamate during this period of unrest.[61] Accordingly, the ShiaImamJa'far al-Sadiq stated "Taqiyya is my religion and the religion of my ancestors",[62] a tradition recorded in various sources includingKitāb al-Maḥāsin of Aḥmad b. Muhammad al-Barqī and theDa'ā'im al-Islām ofal-Qāḍī al-Nu'mān.[63]
Such periods in which the Imams are concealed are known assatr, however the term may also refer to times when the Imams were not physically hidden from view but rather when the community was required to practice precautionary dissimulation. Duringsatr the Imam could only be accessed by his community and in extremely dangerous circumstances, would be accessible only to the highest-ranking members of the Ismaili hierarchy (ḥudūd), whose function it was to transmit the teachings of the Imam to the community. Shi'a Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq is reputed to have said, "Our teaching is the truth, the truth of the truth; it is the exoteric and the esoteric, and the esoteric of the esoteric; it is the secret and the secret of a secret, a protected secret, hidden by a secret."[38] The Fatimid Imam-Caliphal-Hakim expresses the sentiment oftaqiyya when he confides to his followers that "if any religion is stronger than you, follow it, but keep me in your hearts."[38]
According to Shia scholar Muhammad Husain Javari Sabinal, Shiism would not have spread at all if not for taqiyya, referring to instances where Shia have been ruthlessly persecuted by the Sunni political elite during theUmayyad andAbbasid empires.[64] Indeed, for the Ismailis, the persistence and prosperity of the community today owes largely to the careful safeguarding of the beliefs and teachings of the Imams during theIlkhanate, theSafawid dynasty, and other periods of persecution.[citation needed] The 16th century Ismaili author Khwāja Muḥammad Riḍā b. Sulṭān Ḥusayn, also known as Khayrkhvah-i Harati, referring to theAnjudan period, writes about the end of an era oftaqiyya. He explains that thus far "a veil was drawn over the visage of truth," but now the Imam "allowed the veil to be lifted". Since the Imam had allowed written correspondence with his followers, he had effectively ended the era oftaqiyya.[65]
The Gupti community viewed the Aga Khan III as their spiritual leader and Imam, but concealed these beliefs to protect themselves. However, the Guptis used a unique form of taqiyya, they did not appear as Sunni, Sufi, or Ithna ashari, which were the more common identities to take on. Rather they identified as Hindus, and this became a significant aspect of who they were. The Guptis view theirtaqiyya as a fulfillment and culmination of their outwardly professed faith, rather than contrary to it. The name 'Gupta' in Sanskrit, means secret or hidden, which perfectly embodies the concealment of their faith and true identity.[38]
Alawite beliefs have never been confirmed by their modern religious authorities.[66] Alawites tend to conceal their beliefs (taqiyya) due to historical persecution.[67] Some tenets of the faith are secret, known only to a select few;[68][69] therefore, they have been described as amystical sect.[70] Alawites celebrateIslamic festivals but consider the most important one to beEid al-Ghadir.
Because of theDruze's Ismaili Shia origin, they have also been associated with taqiyya. When the Druze were a minority being persecuted they took the appearance of another religion externally, usually the ruling religion in the area, and for the most part adhered to Muslim customs by this practice.[71]
In the early 21st century, taqiyya has become the subject of debate. According to S. Jonathon O'Donnell, some theories posit "the idea that Muslims have a religious duty to deceive non-Muslims if it furthers the cause" of Islam. He argues the "claim rests on a misreading of the concept oftaqiyya, by which believers may conceal their faith if under threat of violence. This misreading is widely deployed in Islamophobic writings."[72] The term has been used by writers andcounter-jihadists such asPatrick Sookhdeo, who posit that Muslims use the doctrine as a key strategy in theIslamization of Western countries by hiding their true violent intents.[73][74]
In 2008Raymond Ibrahim published inJane's Islamic Affairs Analyst an article titled "Islam's doctrines of deception".[75] Ibrahim presented his own translation[76] of part of LebaneseDruze scholarSami Makarem's monographAl Taqiyya Fi Al Islam ("Dissimulation in Islam"). Ibrahim quoted:
Taqiyya is of fundamental importance in Islam. Practically every Islamic sect agrees to it and practices it. ... We can go so far as to say that the practice of taqiyya is mainstream in Islam, and that those few sects not practicing it diverge from the mainstream. ... Taqiyya is very prevalent in Islamic politics, especially in the modern era.[75][76][77]
Michael Ryan,[78] also inJane's, characterized Ibrahim's article as "well-researched, factual in places but ... ultimately misleading".[79][77] Ibrahim responded in 2009 with "Taqiyya Revisited: A Response to the Critics", on his blog and on theMiddle East Forum website.[78][80] Ibrahim was again criticised for his view on Taqiyya in 2019, by Islamic scholarUsama Hasan in theJewish Chronicle.[81] Ibrahim also responded to Hasan in aFrontPage Magazine article titled "Taqiyya Sunset: Exposing the Darkness Shrouding Islamic Deceit."
Stefan Wimmer argues that taqiyya is not a tool to deceive non-Muslims and spread Islam, but instead a defensive mechanism to save one's life when it is in great danger (giving the example of theReconquista).[82] Similar views are shown by Jakob Skovgaard-Petersen from theUniversity of Copenhagen.[83]
Dutch-Palestinian political analystMouin Rabbani wrote in a piece that was published byZeteo: "Prior to the 9/11 terrorist attacks ... and the tsunami of Islamophobia it unleashed, I'd never heard of taqiyya. Nor had any of the Muslims, or those identified as Muslims, that I had encountered before that time." He called the term a "useful term" to dismiss criticism and inconvenient facts.[84]
Precautionary denial of religious belief in the face of potential persecution. Stressed by Shia Muslims, who have been subject to periodic persecution by the Sunni majority.
Taqīyah is the precautionary dissimulation of religious belief and practice in the face of persecution.
Religious dissimulation (Taqiyya) ... while maintaining mental reservation is considered lawful in Shi'ism in situations where there is overwhelming danger of loss of life or property and where no danger to religioun would occur thereby. ... Living as a minority among a frequently-hostile Sunni majority, the condition of most Shi'is until the rise of the Safavid dynasty, made such a doctrine important to Shi'is
Unlike the majority of Maliki scholars before him, he openly embraced the idea of a Mudejar jihad that was bound to the notion of inner steadfastness under persecution...
A responsum (fatwa) by 'Ubaydallah al-Wahrani, issued in December 1504, permitted [the Moriscos] to exercise prudent dissimulation (taqiyya) by pretending to be Christians. ... The Moriscos' behavior was exceptional, however, and a departure from a general Islamic norm – Muslims may not convert to another religion unless their lives are in mortal danger, and then they must end their new status as quickly as possible
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