Taqiyya and the questioning of the narrator

(influence, treatment, and limits of trust)

Abstract

This research examines the impact of taqiyya (dissimulation) as a central factor in Imami thought, specifically in the questioning of narrators and the understanding of religious traditions. It sheds light on the historical and social circumstances that compelled imams and narrators to employ specific methods to ensure the transmission of religious knowledge discreetly, away from the scrutiny of authorities and opponents. The research discusses the concept of taqiyya as presented by prominent Imami scholars, demonstrating its evolution from a doctrinal concept to a practical approach aimed at preserving both self and faith. It then reviews narrative texts illustrating how the conditions of taqiyya influenced the manner of questioning and answering. Furthermore, the research explores the impact of the questioner's circumstances, the stages of learning, the intellectual inclinations of the narrators, and their differing levels of knowledge. It also examines how imams interacted with the public according to their psychological and social conditions, revealing a gradual and realistic educational methodology that engaged with a turbulent environment. The research highlights the importance of understanding taqiyya as a defensive educational tool that does not diminish the reliability of the narration but rather necessitates a precise contextual reading for its comprehension.