Aqaid Lessons 7 & 8: Taqiyya التقية What is Taqiyya? When and how can it be used. Is it lying or hypocrisy? Historical examples.

Taqiyya Taqiyya means to hide one’s faith and not to let others know what you really believe. Islam allows you to do this if: Your life is in danger. You fear harm from others. There are conditions that must be met: It should not put the life of another Muslim in danger. Should not misguide others. Should not put Islam in danger.

Taqiyya What is it and what do these schools of thought have to say about it?

Ja’fari School of Thought (That’s us shia btw) It is permissible as we shall see.

The Sunni Schools of Thought A group asserts: It was permissible at the time of the Prophet (PBUH) but is no longer allowed. Another group asserts: It is still permissible to use against non- Muslims if you fear for your life or are under the threat of harm whilst you live among them.

What Taqiyya is not – Nifaq (Hypocrisy) A lot of those opposed to Taqiyya believe it is the same as nifaq, hypocrisy and accuse the shia of it. Reign of oppression A hypocrite outwardly displays true belief and hides his disbelief with the intention of misguiding others (like a wolf in sheep’s clothing). A person practicing taqiyya outwardly hides his true belief whilst keeping it safe in his heart, out of fear for his life.

Examples of Nifaq - Hypocrites Abu Sufyan, Mu’awiya, Yazid, Hind

Was it practiced during the time of the Prophet? Ammar the son of Yassir His parents Sumayya and Yassir (The first martyrs in Islam) Abu Talib Cheiftain of Kuraish His poetry His unwavering support for his nephew Following his death The father of Ali

Was it practiced during the time of the Prophet? Musaylama al-Kadhab (Sunni source) Imposter- Killed a sahabi (I am deaf) and released another The Prophet’s (PBUH) response: “As for this one who was killed, he went by his conviction and proved himself, so blessings on him. And for the other, he took advantage of what Allah has permitted him”. Abu Darda (Sunni source) “we used to smile at people’s faces while in our hearts we cursed them.’ Ibn Abi Dunya (Sunni source) “we used to laugh with them” Tha’labi (Sunni source) A man came to Rasulullah (PBUH) in Medina and said: “I think I have ruined myself!’ “What’s with you?” replied Rasullulah (PBUH) “The Quraish tortured me until I testified to what they believe in.’ he lamented “How was your heart (at the time)? Asked the prophet (PBUH) He said “At peace (with Islam and not in doubt).” “So if they repeat the same then you repeat the same” commanded the prophet. And he said this thrice.

When is it haram to practice taqiyya? If there is no threat to ones life, property, reputation. If by saving your life you put another Muslim’s life in danger. If you put Islam in danger by your action, ruining the message of Islam. If you are an Islamic religious or spiritual leader, you cannot practice taqiyya as it may confuse those who follow you. Imam Hussein (as)

Can I hide my belief to “fit in” ? Taqiyya may not be used as a method to fit into an unpleasant environment. It is a God given right to those who are facing very difficult circumstances involving a threats to their being.

Is it in the Qur’an? Yes, it is:  لا يتخذ المؤمنون الكافرين أولياء من دون المؤمنين ومن يفعل ذلك فليس من الله في شيء إلا أن تتقوا منهم تقاة The faithful should not take the faithless for allies instead of the faithful, and whoever does that Allah will have nothing to do with him, except when you are wary of them out of caution. Surah Aal-I Imran, 3:28

Can people choose not to do Taqiyya? Absolutely, and many didn’t. Especially the companions of Imam Ali (as), who in many cases were executed because they chose not to hide their love and loyalty to Imam Ali (as). Examples include: Yassir and Sumayya Maytham at-Tammar, Rushayd al-Hijri, Kumayl b. Ziyad, and Qanbar