What is the meaning of 'taraf' in Iran?

Answer 1

"Taraf" in Farsi is equivalent to the Arabic "Taqqiya", meaning "Concealing or disguising one's beliefs, convictions, ideas, feelings, opinions, and/or strategies at a time of imminent danger, whether now or later in time, to save oneself from physical and/or mental injury." A one-word translation would be "dissimulation."

The original concept was applied only to pretending not to be a Muslim if so doing would save the individual from harm or death. However, it now has expanded to the idea that any form of lying is acceptable if it has a "higher purpose".

The practical application of "Taraf" in Iran is making promises to please the listener, while having no intention of doing whatever was promised.