In
Islam, the practice of concealing one's faith and forgoing ordinary religious duties under threat of death or injury to oneself or one's fellow Muslims. Its basis is found in the
Qur'an, and
Muhammad is regarded as having set its first example when he chose to make the
Hijrah. It has since been practiced mostly among minority groups, particularly those of the Sh
i'ite branch. Various rules governing its application are meant to ensure that
taqiyyah does not become an excuse for cowardice or for failure to take appropriate action. Consideration of community rather than private welfare is generally stressed.
For more information on
taqiyyah,
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