Hadith #11092

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "التقية ديانة" which translates to

Precautionary dissimulation is religiosity.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance and legitimacy of practicing taqiyyah in Islam.

Taqiyyah, derived from the Arabic root word "taqa," means to protect or safeguard. It refers to the practice of concealing one's true beliefs or identity in order to protect oneself from harm or persecution. Taqiyyah is an essential aspect of Islamic teachings, especially in situations where revealing one's faith may lead to severe consequences.

To understand the importance of taqiyyah, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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

This verse emphasizes the permissibility of taqiyyah when it comes to protecting oneself or the Muslim community from harm.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nahl, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 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 the exception of taqiyyah when one is forced to renounce their faith under duress, as long as their heart remains steadfast in belief.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of taqiyyah in preserving the faith and protecting the lives of the believers. He himself practiced taqiyyah during the tumultuous times of his leadership, where his life and the lives of his followers were constantly under threat.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Precautionary dissimulation is religiosity,

serves as a reminder that taqiyyah is not a betrayal of one's faith, but rather a means of preserving it. It is a manifestation of true religiosity, as it demonstrates the willingness to sacrifice personal comfort and openly express one's beliefs when the circumstances are favorable, while also recognizing the need to protect oneself and the faith in adverse situations.

The practice of taqiyyah has had profound consequences throughout Islamic history. It has allowed Muslims to survive in hostile environments, maintain their faith, and continue to propagate the message of Islam. By employing taqiyyah, Muslims have been able to preserve their religious identity, safeguard their communities, and contribute positively to society.

As Muslims, we should reflect upon the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and recognize the importance of taqiyyah in our lives. While we may not face the same level of persecution as our predecessors, there are still situations where taqiyyah may be necessary to protect our faith and the well-being of our fellow believers.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of taqiyyah in Islam. It is a practice rooted in the Quran and exemplified by the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. Taqiyyah is not a betrayal of one's faith but a means of preserving it in challenging circumstances. It is a manifestation of true religiosity and a testament to the strength and resilience of the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and practice taqiyyah when necessary, and may He protect and guide the believers in all aspects of their lives.