al-Taqiyya Asas Din al-Shia al-Imamiyya
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- al-Taqiyya Asas Din al-Shia al-Imamiyya
al-Taqiyya Asas Din al-Shia al-Imamiyya (Dissimulation as the Foundation of the Religion of Twelver Shi'ism) is a contemporary doctrinal and polemical research treatise authored by Arafa bin Tantawi, analyzing the concept of taqiyya (precautionary dissimulation) in Twelver Shi'ism from a Sunni theological perspective.
Composition and Purpose
The author completed the drafting of the treatise in Riyadh on Wednesday, 14 Shawwal 1442 AH. In his concluding remarks, Tantawi states that he deliberately chose a concise format to present a clear exposition of what he considers the foundational role of dissimulation within Twelver Shi'i doctrine, aiming to elucidate the subject for general Muslim readers and Sunni laypeople who may be unaware of its theological implications.
Structure and Content
The treatise is organized into an introduction, two main chapters, and a conclusion outlining its primary findings:
- Chapter One (Definition of Taqiyya): Divided into two sections, this chapter examines the linguistic derivation and technical definitions of taqiyya. It contrasts the definition according to Sunni scholars—who define it as a limited exemption restricted to verbal expressions under compelling duress to protect life, property, or essential necessities—with the definition held by Twelver Shi'i authorities.
- Chapter Two (Taqiyya among the Rafida): Comprises three sections:
- Taqiyya as a Fundamental Principle: Discusses the centrality of taqiyya in Twelver Shi'i creed, citing classical narrative collections such as al-Kafi by al-Kulayni and creedal treatises such as al-I'tiqadat by Ibn Babawayh al-Qummi. It includes a critique of contemporary Shi'i definitions, such as statements by Muhammad Jawad Mughniyya, and addresses the application of dissimulation specifically in interactions with Ahl al-Sunnah.
- The Concept of Mudarah (Courteous Interaction): Spans four subsections addressing the linguistic and technical meanings of mudarah, its practical significance, and its benefits.
- The Concept of Mudahanah (Compromising Religious Principles): Contains five subsections detailing its linguistic and legal definitions, its Islamic legal prohibition, its adverse consequences, and the essential differences distinguishing lawful courtesy (mudarah) from unlawful religious compromise (mudahanah) and dissimulation.
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