Hadith #11090

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of practicing "taqiyyah" or precautionary dissimulation. Taqiyyah is a concept that allows a Muslim to conceal their true beliefs or identity in situations where revealing them may lead to harm or danger. The word "taqiyyah" comes from the Arabic root "waqa" which means to protect or shield oneself.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes taqiyyah as a

trait of the praiseworthy.

This implies that taqiyyah is a noble characteristic that is highly regarded and recommended for Muslims to adopt. By practicing taqiyyah, one can protect themselves and their faith from harm, while also maintaining peace and harmony in society.

The concept of taqiyyah is supported by several Quranic verses that highlight the importance of preserving one's faith and protecting oneself from harm. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:28):

Let not the believers take the disbelievers as allies rather than the believers. And whoever does that has no connection with Allah, except when taking precaution against them in prudence. And Allah warns you of Himself, and to Allah is the [final] destination.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining loyalty to fellow believers and not taking disbelievers as allies. However, it also allows for precautionary measures to be taken in certain situations. This is where the concept of taqiyyah comes into play, as it enables Muslims to protect themselves from harm while remaining true to their 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 acknowledges that there may be situations where a person is forced to renounce their faith under duress. In such cases, their heart remains steadfast in faith, and they are not held accountable for their outward actions. This further reinforces the permissibility and importance of practicing taqiyyah in order to protect one's faith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself demonstrated the practice of taqiyyah throughout his life. He faced numerous challenges and threats to his life, yet he remained steadfast in his faith and used taqiyyah as a means of protecting himself and the message of Islam. His knowledge and wisdom allowed him to navigate through difficult situations while maintaining his principles.

The practice of taqiyyah has had significant consequences throughout history. It has enabled Muslims to preserve their faith and protect themselves from persecution and harm. By practicing taqiyyah, Muslims have been able to maintain their identity and contribute to the betterment of society.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand the importance of taqiyyah as a means of self-preservation and protection of the faith. It teaches us the value of wisdom, discernment, and adaptability in challenging circumstances. Taqiyyah should be practiced with sincerity and in accordance with the teachings of Islam, always striving for the greater good and the preservation of our faith.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to practice taqiyyah when necessary and protect us from harm. May He guide us to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of Islam. Ameen.