taqiyeh

Taqiyeh is a permissible practice in Twelver Shia Islam that allows adherents to conceal their religious beliefs or identity when faced with persecution or danger. It is derived from the Arabic root w-q-y, meaning to protect or guard. The principle is that preserving one's life and safety is of paramount importance, and in situations of extreme duress, outward conformity to a non-Muslim or opposing Muslim sect is permitted to avoid harm.

The concept is rooted in historical instances where Shia Muslims faced severe oppression. The Quran mentions allowing believers to outwardly profess disbelief if forced, to protect themselves. This leniency is not an endorsement of hypocrisy but a defensive measure for survival. Taqiyeh is generally understood to apply only in cases of genuine threat to life, limb, or property, and not for trivial reasons or personal gain.

The application of taqiyeh is a complex issue, with scholars outlining specific conditions and limitations. It is not meant to be a blanket permission for deception. The sincerity of the individual's faith is believed to remain intact even when outward actions are different. In contemporary contexts, discussions around taqiyeh often arise in relation to minority Shia communities living in predominantly Sunni regions or in countries where religious freedom is restricted.