Taqīy(y)a

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Taqīy(y)a (Arab., ‘fear, guard against’). The dispensation for Muslims which allows them to conceal their faith when under persecution or threat or compulsion.

Among the Shīʿa, taqīya is equally, if not more, prominent, despite the redemptive beliefs focused on the death of al-Ḥusain. One should not seek a martyrdom which serves no purpose: the prior obligation is to preserve oneself for the faith and for the community. In a situation of jihād, taqīya no longer has the same priority.

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