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Friendship Quote by Robert Spencer

“But . . . but . . . my Muslim friends tell me Islam is peaceful! Your Muslim friends may indeed be peaceful and reject these teachings. Or they may not know about them, because their teachers did not emphasize them. Or, they may be lying. It’s unfortunate, but true: Islam is the only major…” quote by Robert Spencer
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““But . . . but . . . my Muslim friends tell me Islam is peaceful! Your Muslim friends may indeed be peaceful and reject these teachings. Or they may not know about them, because their teachers did not emphasize them. Or, they may be lying. It’s unfortunate, but true: Islam is the only major religion with a developed doctrine of deception. Many believe this doctrine, called taqiyya, is exclusively Shi’ite, but actually it is founded upon Koranic passages. Chief among these is this one: “Let not the believers take for friends or helpers unbelievers rather than believers. If any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah; except by way of precaution, that ye may guard yourselves from them” (3:28). Ibn Kathir explains that in this verse, “Allah prohibited His believing servants from becoming supporters of the disbelievers, or to take them as comrades with whom they develop friendships, rather than the believers.” However, exempted from this rule were            those believers who in some areas or times fear for their safety from the disbelievers. In this case, such believers are allowed to show friendship to the disbelievers outwardly, but never inwardly. For instance, Al-Bukhari recorded that Abu Ad-Darda’ said, “We smile in the face of some people although our hearts curse them.” Al-Bukhari said that Al-Hasan said, “The Tuqyah [taqiyyah] is allowed until the Day of Resurrection.””

Robert Spencer

About This Quote

Source Article: The Doctrine of Deception in Islam, Robert Spencer, 2023

Islam includes a doctrine allowing concealment of belief for safety, often misunderstood as deception.

In simple terms: Islamic teachings permit protective concealment.

Key Takeaway

Recognize context behind taqiyya.

Themes

religion ethics misinterpretation

Mood

critical cautious

Type

sociopolitical educational

When to use this quote

  • interfaith discussions
  • educational seminars
  • policy analysis

Key Concepts

taqiyya security interfaith dialogue

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we discuss sensitive doctrines responsibly?
  • What role does context play in interpreting religious texts?
A Different Perspective

Overgeneralizing can fuel prejudice.

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