Shi`a Pajoohi

Shi`a Pajoohi

Analysis of Secrecy in the Teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and the Consequences of Its Breach and Disclosure

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Maryam Esma‘ili 1
Ali Mowahediyan Attar 2
Mohammad Hoseyn Irandust 3
Mohammad Ghafurinejad 4
1 PhD Student in Shiite Studies, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Religions and Mysticism, Farabi Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
4 Associate Professor, Department of Shiite Studies, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
Abstract
The Pure Imams (AS) are the bearers of the divine secrets that have been ordered to be hidden due to the differences in the capacity of individuals. In the narrative texts, there are recommendations about the necessity of taghiyyah (precautionary dissimulation) and concealment, and also there are allusions to the use of hints, gestures and cryptography on religious issues. In the teachings of the Imams (AS), there is a strong emphasis on the application of these methods in scientific and religious interaction with others, as well as the obligation to classify facts at the time of explaining religious teachings. This article examined the words of Ahl al-Bayt (AS) (The Household of the Prophet) about this principle and has come to the conclusion that the Shiite Imams have introduced the principle of concealment of secrets in order to preserve and classify religious secrets and teachings and thus to protect the religious community. Secrecy is the core of a strategy designed to protect the audience's faith and to avoid harming their beliefs in the face of teachings they do not have the capacity to understand; in such a way that not taking care of this principle will have irreparable consequences.
Keywords
Secrecy
Shiism
Taqiyyah (Precautionary Dissimulation)
Divine Secrets
Ahl al-Bayt (AS) (The Household of the Prophet)
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