What is taqeeyah?
Taqeeyah, as used by the Shee‘ah, means displaying other than one’s true and actual beliefs and practices in front of outsiders and it is indispensable part of their religion.
According to Al-Kaafee[1] and other authoritative sources of the Shee‘ah:
- “Taqeeyah is nine tenths of the religion,”
- “Whoever does not have taqeeyah does not have eemaan!” and
- “You (Shee‘ah) are upon a religion whoever conceals it will be honoured by Allah but whoever publicizes it will be humiliated by Allah!”
The Islamic understanding of taqeeyah is different, because it to be resorted to only in the event when there is a genuine fear of being killed while the person’s intention is sound, as Allah says:
{ إِلاَّ مَنْ أُكْرِهَ وَقَلْبُهُ مُطْمَئِنٌّ بِالإِيمَانِ }
“…except the one who is forced while his heart rests securely in faith.” [2]
Moreover, this is a concession, so if one perseveres through the trial and does not give in until he is killed, he will gain an immense reward[3] – not that he is obliged to practise in public that which contradicts his own beliefs from the outset!
And Allaah knows best.
References:
[1] 2/217, 218 & 222. Daar-ul-Kutub-il-Islaamiyyah, 3rd ed., 1388 AH, Tehran.
[2] (16:106)
[3] Ma‘aalim-ut-Tanzeel (1/292), by al-Baghawee.
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