Hadith #11091

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

لادينَ لِمَنْ لاتَقِيَّةَ لَهُ۔

This can be translated into English as:

He who has no precautionary dissimulation has no religion.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, it is important to explore the key words and concepts within it. The word (taqiyyah) "تَقِيَّةَ" refers to the act of concealing one's true beliefs or intentions in order to protect oneself from harm or persecution. It is a concept that is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and has been practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt.

The word (ladīna) "لَادِينَ" means "no religion" or "no faith." It signifies the absence of a true and sincere connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It implies that a person who does not practice taqiyyah lacks the essential element of faith.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:28):

Let not believers take disbelievers as allies rather than believers. And whoever does that has no connection with Allah, unless you are guarding yourselves against them as a precaution.

This verse emphasizes the importance of taqiyyah in certain situations. It highlights that believers should not form alliances or seek protection from those who oppose the faith. However, it also acknowledges that there may be circumstances where taqiyyah is necessary for self-preservation and protection of the faith.

Another verse that supports the concept of taqiyyah is found in Surah An-Nahl (16:106):

Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief... except for one who is forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is secure in faith. But those who [willingly] open their breasts to disbelief, upon them is wrath from Allah, and for them is a great punishment.

This verse highlights that taqiyyah is permissible when one's life is at stake and they are forced to renounce their faith. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a secure and sincere connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) even in the face of adversity.

Based on these Quranic verses and the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that taqiyyah is not only a valid practice in Islam but also an essential aspect of faith. It is a means of protecting oneself and the religion from harm and persecution. It is a manifestation of wisdom, patience, and resilience in the face of adversity.

The consequences of neglecting taqiyyah can be severe. Without precautionary dissimulation, one's faith becomes vulnerable to external influences and pressures. It becomes difficult to uphold the principles and teachings of Islam when faced with opposition or persecution. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that without taqiyyah, one's religion is incomplete and lacks the necessary foundation for true faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of taqiyyah in Islam. It highlights that those who do not practice precautionary dissimulation are lacking in their faith and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By concealing one's true beliefs or intentions in certain situations, believers can protect themselves and the religion from harm. Taqiyyah is a manifestation of wisdom, patience, and resilience, and it is an essential aspect of faith in Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to practice taqiyyah when necessary.