Question
Please explain Al-Takeyya as a concept, where it originates from, and its modern application? Also, please explain any relevant interpretations of the concept. Many thanks.
Answer
The Qur’an establishes the concept of Taqiyya to protect its believers from harm just for being adherents to the faith:
Any one who, after accepting faith in Allah, utters Unbelief,- except under compulsion, his heart remaining firm in Faith – but such as open their breast to Unbelief, on them is Wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a dreadful Penalty.
– Al Nahl 16:106
When Islam began to take a hold, the rejecters tried to suppress the movement with a campaign of torture and murder to dissuade any further advancement. They believed that if they could force the believers to disavow their faith they would eliminate the struggle. The Qur’an addresses this matter by providing the believers a way to protect themselves by recanting their beliefs verbally but remaining faithful. This allowance is in place at any time a Muslim is under duress with the threat of death.
God knows best.