Taqiyya in Islam: Truth, Survival, or Religious Deception?
Introduction
When a religion claims to stand for truth yet elevates falsehood to the level of worship, it ceases to be faith and becomes a strategy of political manipulation.
In Islam, the doctrine of Taqiyya serves exactly this purpose — presented as a license for self-preservation, but in practice legitimizing deception as a religious virtue.
“Hide facts, twist words, gather strength — this is the essence of Taqiyya.”
1. Definition and Qur’anic Sources of Taqiyya
Etymology
The Arabic term Taqiyya (تقيّة) literally means to conceal one’s belief, intention, or identity out of fear.
Qur’anic References
📖 Qur’an 3:28
“Let not the believers take the disbelievers as allies or friends… except if you fear from them (تُقَاةً — Taqāt).”
➡ The word Taqāt here became the doctrinal basis of Taqiyya.
📖 Qur’an 16:106
“Whoever disbelieves in Allah after belief — except one who is forced while his heart is secure in faith — upon him there is no blame.”
Shia Hadith – Al-Kafi
Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq:
“Taqiyya is my religion and the religion of my forefathers. One who does not practice Taqiyya has no religion.”
(Al-Kafi, Vol. 2, p. 217)
➡ This makes Taqiyya not just a survival tactic, but a fundamental pillar of the faith.
2. Taqiyya: Self-Defense or Religious Deception?
Supporters’ Argument
Proponents argue that Taqiyya is applied only under threat to life or safety.
Critical Perspective
If a religion is “truth,” it should have the moral courage to stand by truth under all circumstances.
To sanctify lies as a religious concession undermines trust, dialogue, and social harmony.
📍 The Iranian Example
Before seizing power, Ayatollah Khomeini promised democracy and Western values.
Yet after the 1979 revolution, he imposed harsh Sharia law as outlined in his work Islamic Government (1970, pp. 28–30).
➡ A textbook case of political Taqiyya.
3. Taqiyya and Jihad: A Dual-Faced Strategy
Islamic jurisprudence instructs Muslims living in Dar al-Harb (non-Muslim lands) to conceal their faith and objectives — until they gain sufficient numbers and power.
➡ This explains why in pluralistic societies slogans of “communal harmony” prevail,
but in Muslim-majority regions, the cry shifts to “Islam is in danger” and “Nizam-e-Mustafa.”
📘 David Cook, Martyrdom in Islam (2007, p. 112)
📘 Sayyid Qutb, Milestones (1964, Chapter 4)
4. Taqiyya vs. Truth: The Indian Ethos
The Upanishadic command is clear:
“Satyam vada, Dharmam chara” — Speak the truth, practice righteousness.
📍 Here Dharma means moral courage.
By contrast, Islamic Taqiyya teaches:
“If life is threatened, conceal your faith, tell a lie.”
➡ This stands in direct opposition to India’s ethical and spiritual ideals.
5. Social Consequences: When Falsehood Becomes Worship
- Erosion of Trust – How can trust exist where lies are religiously permissible?
- Dual Personality – Outward tolerance, inward hostility.
- Breeding Hatred – A faith that sanctifies deception inspires fear, not reverence.
6. Historical and Modern Uses of Taqiyya
Prophet Muhammad’s Strategy
- In Mecca (minority phase): preached tolerance and patience.
- In Medina (after gaining power): launched jihad, raids, and warfare.
📖 Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allah (tr. Guillaume, p. 496):
“War is deception.”
Modern Example
Muslim Brotherhood (U.S., 2008 internal memo):
“Our mission is to destroy Western civilization from within using their laws and freedoms.”
➡ A modern application of Taqiyya in political Islam.
7. Guru Gobind Singh and the Zafarnama: A Spiritual Response
📜 In the Zafarnama, Guru Gobind Singh Ji accused Aurangzeb directly:
“You swore countless oaths in God’s name,
but did not keep a single one!”
➡ This reflects the condemnation of oath-breaking and deceit as Adharma in Indian tradition, explicitly opposed to Taqiyya.
Conclusion
Taqiyya is not merely an individual’s survival tactic but an institutionalized system of religious deception.
When falsehood itself becomes a form of worship, truth, morality, and humanity have no space left.
“A religion that enshrines Taqiyya as faith
is not devotion but conspiracy.
Not spirituality but politics.
Not peace but a blueprint for domination.”
📢 Did you find this article useful?
🙏 Support our work by clicking here.