Additional Shia Doctrines - Taqiyya

Taqiyya

The doctrine of taqiyya, or dissimulation, states that it is permissible to hide one's true religious convictions if under the threat of death or injury. Since Shias regard taqiyya as islamically permissible, at times they have been accused of lying indiscriminately, however Shia Muslims reject this charge and argue that this would be contrary to the laws regulating its use. The Shia conclude that the practice of taqiyya is condoned by the Qur'an and is regulated by the various Qur'anic verses that refer to it. The practice of taqiyya is regarded by the Shia as a natural human response especially in light of historical Shia-Sunni relations.