Interpreting Taqiyya, SPECIAL REPORT

The recent article by Raymond Ibrahim is in this author's opinion well-researched, factual in places but whose interpretation of taqiyya is ultimately misleading. It focuses on a very narrow use of the term taqiyya, which is sometimes used to refer to dissimulation allowed to Shias to preserve their own lives and the lives of others. It appears to be a polemical piece interspersed with cherry-picked citations from the Quran, the sayings of the Prophet and secondary works.

Islam is a universal religion that spans millennia of history and covers much of the earth's population. Islam, however, does not have a central canon, a pope, or a single body that can set doctrine. So, it is extremely difficult to generalise about what Islam as a religion believes except in its core beliefs. One can always find Muslim jurists who offer opinions about matters of doctrine such as taqiyya, but it is also possible to find other respected jurists who disagree. So any assertion about doctrine needs to be carefully circumscribed.

The complete article appears in the following publication:
Publication Title	Jane's Islamic Affairs Analyst
Publication date	Nov 12, 2008
Section	SPECIAL REPORT
Publication synopsis	The only resource specialising in Islamism as a political force. Jane's Information Group examines the political and strategic affairs of the Islamic world as they impact both upon the region itself and upon Western perceptions of these issues making extensive use of primary Arabic sources. Your personal advisor on the Islamic world - Jane's Islamic Affairs Analyst is the only English-language newsletter giving you real insight into political, economic and social developments in the Islamic world. Our expert coverage combines timely analysis of recent and looming events with the necessary contextual background to enable a comprehensive assessment of Islamic issues. Jane’s Information Group provides a wide range of accurate, sector-wide relevant intelligence services and solutions Jane’s Security Intelligence Solutions cover three critical areas of national security: country risk, military capabilities and terrorism and insurgency. The business of security is about staying ahead of active and potential enemies. However, security forces must now deal with an ever-faster proliferation of weapons, from small arms to CBRN. At the same time, advancing technologies give both state and non-state actors (whether terrorists or crime organisations) new capabilities to organise, infiltrate and attack. In this environment, it is essential to have the best possible access to the most up to date information and intelligence. This is why Jane’s is moving quickly too: expanding its provision to bring you complete coverage. For example: in the past year we have closely monitored topical issues ranging from the problems caused by ethnic separatism to the links between drugs, people trafficking and terrorist financing. We regularly report on issues of political and social stability in specific countries and, of course, wars, ceasefires and alliances. Country risk Planning for effective protection begins with a full understanding of the types and sources of risk that you face. That’s why Jane’s collects, focuses and filters information from across the security spectrum. You can check on the pertinent dangers affecting individual countries, or receive intelligence specifically analysing security forces, equipment and leadership. There are also country risk assessments available on key topics including bilateral and multilateral/regional relations, political stability and risks of coups, crime (including drug, arms and people trafficking), and civil war. Much of this information and analysis is drawn together in one intelligence centre, enabling fast access to related information. Military capabilities Whether you are primarily interested in air, land or sea forces - or all three - Jane’s covers all the bases. Our authoritative perspective combines the latest information available with independent analysis, so you can accurately assess strength and vulnerability when making your own threat analysis. You can find further specialist intelligence on amphibious and special forces. Terrorism and insurgency With Jane’s, you can have deep insight into your asymmetric adversaries: we offer you detailed intelligence about the threats faced by specific countries, or posed by different terrorist groups. You can also find analysis of terrorism trends by tactic, target or casualties. Other themes include the financing of terrorism, propaganda, recruitment and radicalisation; also counterterrorism operations, and prevention and mitigation strategies. All this crucial information is brought together in a specific intelligence centre. Defence and transport intelligence Jane’s also provides comprehensive information and analysis on the defence and transport sectors. Jane’s defence resources give you fast, on-demand, accurate intelligence, all of which can be delivered through one integrated feed; while our transport intelligence delivers the latest developments in aviation, maritime, railway and urban systems. For more information, please visit www.janes.com
Regular features include:	Special reports on political and economic developments in states with Muslim majorities Unique interpretation of the Arab view of significant international events Examining Islamist ideology and the threat of radicalisation Analysis of jihadist websites

You may purchase a full subscription to this service through the Jane’s Online Catalogue.

About Jane’s
With more than 100 years of experience, Jane’s, an IHS company, holds an unrivalled reputation for the reliability, accuracy and impartiality of our information and advice, trusted and relied upon by business, government and military decision-makers worldwide.

In the specialist fields of defence, security, public safety, transport and law enforcement, Jane’s intelligence is a ‘must have’ resource for our clients, who can trust our intelligence over that from any other open source.

Purchase Information

More information about Interpreting Taqiyya is offered by Jane’s Information Group as part of its Jane's Islamic Affairs Analyst subscription service, available in both hardcopy and electronic formats.

Use this form to find out how to subscribe.