How to Pronounce taqiyya

Meaning and Context

In Islamic theology and jurisprudence, the concept of taqiyya (تَقِيَّة) represents a principle of religious dispensation permitting the concealment or outward denial of one's faith under conditions of severe persecution or imminent mortal danger. Rooted in Quranic verses (such as 16:106 and 3:28) and prophetic tradition, it is a doctrine of prudence and self-preservation, historically most developed and emphasized within Shia Islam, where minority communities often faced existential threats. The practice is not considered deceit in a moral vacuum but a strategic, faith-protecting measure sanctioned under duress, analogous to concepts of religious dissimulation in other faith traditions. Its application is strictly governed by Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and is distinct from everyday dishonesty, intended solely for situations where survival or the prevention of grave harm is at stake. While often discussed in contemporary discourse regarding interfaith dialogue and religious freedom, its theological scope remains specific to contexts of genuine coercion, a nuance critical for accurate understanding of Islamic esoteric teachings and minority Muslim communities.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary term, taqiyya, is a transliteration from the Arabic تَقِيَّة. Common alternative transliterations include taqiya (omitting the second 'y') and taqiyyah (emphasizing the terminal 'h' sound, which is a ta marbuta in Arabic). A frequent misspelling arises from phonetic confusion, resulting in errors like takiya or taqiyah. It is also sometimes incorrectly conflated with the similar-sounding Taqi (a common name meaning "pious") or the unrelated term taqwa (God-consciousness). In non-specialist writing, it may be erroneously capitalized as a proper noun, though it is a common noun. Users should be mindful that searches may require accounting for these variants to find comprehensive resources on the concept.

Example Sentences

Scholars explain that taqiyya was a vital survival mechanism for early Shia communities living under hostile Sunni caliphates.

The jurist issued a fatwa clarifying that the practice of taqiyya is only permissible when there is a credible, immediate threat to life or limb, not merely for social convenience.

Critics often misunderstand taqiyya, erroneously portraying it as a license for routine deception rather than a specific doctrinal exception for times of persecution.

In her thesis on Islamic esotericism, she analyzed how taqiyya functioned not just as physical protection but also as a means of safeguarding theological secrets.

The historical record shows that many Ismaili Muslims employed taqiyya during the Alamut period to navigate political upheaval.

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