The rules you are stating are pretty much what most human beings operate under, when they are being good. Your suggestion that it brands Muslims as a separate kind of liar is flawed, or that it proves this particular Imam has a hidden agenda is not supported by the facts on the ground.
People lie to prevent life threatening harm, people take like minded people as friends and don't associate with people they believe to be miscreants, and restrict their behavior to what they believe is good and righteous. That doesn't prevent people from engaging in genuine outreach, community building, peace making, bridge building, compassionate endeavor etc.
The principle of Al-Takeyya
The Arabic word, "Takeyya", means "to prevent," or guard against. The principle of Al Takeyya conveys the understanding that Muslims are permitted to lie as a preventive measure against anticipated harm to one's self or fellow Muslims. This principle gives Muslims the liberty to lie under circumstances that they perceive as life threatening. They can even deny the faith, if they do not mean it in their hearts. Al-Takeyya is based on the following Quranic verse:
"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 (prevention), that ye may Guard yourselves from them (prevent them from harming you.) But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah." Surah 3: 28
According to this verse a Muslim can pretend to befriend infidels (in violation of the teachings of Islam) and display adherence with their unbelief to prevent them from harming him. |
