Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 PhD Student in Theological Denominations. University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Religions, University of .Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
Abstract
Imam al-Sajjad ('a), during one of the most critical periods in Islamic history—the post-Karbala era under the despotic rule of the Umayyad regime—took significant steps to preserve and expand the school of Shi‘ism through the strategic use of taqiyya (dissimulation). With a profound understanding of the prevailing political and social pressures, he employed taqiyya not merely as a means of personal protection but as a calculated method to safeguard Shi‘a teachings, preserve the knowledge of the Ahl al-Bayt ('a), and lay the cultural and intellectual foundations for future generations. This study, based on a descriptive-analytical approach and library research method, examines the role of taqiyya in Imam al-Sajjad’s ('a) struggle and illustrates how he utilized this approach to counter political and ideological oppression while promoting religious teachings, training disciples, and compiling elevated Islamic knowledge. In the final section, the paper addresses a common Sunni objection regarding the apparent contradiction and duality in taqiyya-related traditions, providing a documented and analytical response. Ultimately, this research seeks to demonstrate that taqiyya, in the context of Imam al-Sajjad’s ('a) life, functioned not only as a defensive tactic but also as part of an active, deliberate cultural and religious strategy.
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