It is related by Huzaifah in Sahih Muslim[^14] that “once I...

It is related by Huzaifah in Sahih Muslim[^14] that “once I was with the Prophet when he said: ‘Conceal our Islam.’ I asked: ‘Why do you fear?

There are six or seven hundred people in my tribe.’ The Prophet said: ‘You don’t know, perhaps you may encounter the enemies of Islam alone, and if such an occasion comes for anyone, it becomes necessary to pray in a low voice.’” Qastalani writes that the companions of the Messenger of Allah (S) did not openly declare Islam and that they prayed secretly, so that they would not create any trouble.

Baidhawi[^15] writes that according to the verse of Surah Shuara, Prophet Moosa (a.s.) was in dissimulation for thirty years. Qastalani says in Sharh Bukhari[^16] that lying is justified to save ones life from unjust people and enemies of religion. According to Baidhawi[^17], the following verse permits dissimulation: “And cast not yourselves to perdition with your own hands…” [^18] Tafseer Maalimut Tanzeel also supports Tafseer Baidhawi.

But it should be known that dissimulation was permissible in Islam in the beginning as it was weak and that now there is no more need for it. Although according to Imam Sadiq (a.s.): “It (dissimulation) is our religion, till Judgment Day.” According to Tafseer Jalalain, Tafseer Ibn Abbas, Tafseer Nishapuri and Tafseer Kabir Razi, dissimulation is permitted only in times of need.

Thus, Shia and Sunni, both consider it necessary, but it is very regretful that Ahlul Sunnat use it as a means to vilify the Shias. [^1]: Surah Aale Imran 3:28 [^2]: Ref. Baidhawi, Pg. 134 [^3]: Surah Momin 40:28 [^4]: Ref. Tafseer Baidhawi and Tafseer Ibn Abbas. [^5]: Pg. 294 [^6]: Vol. 1, Pg. 384 [^7]: Vol. 1, Pg. 335 [^8]: Vol. 1, Pg. 466 [^9]: Pg. 191 [^10]: Vol. 1, Pg. 351 [^11]: Pg. 15 [^12]: Vol. 2, Pg. 16 [^13]: Vol. 10, Pg. 35 [^14]: Vol. 1, Pg. 84 [^15]: Vol. 2, Pg. 106 [^16]: Vol.