Taqiya is a concept in Shia Islam that allows an adherent to conceal or hide their religious identity in order to protect their life. Under this principle, one is even permitted to consume Haram (prohibited) foods or perform actions that contradict Islamic teachings. The rationale behind Taqiya is that life is precious and should be preserved at all costs. A similar concept exists in Sunni Islam, known as Iztraar (Idtirar), which also permits adherents to lie or consume Haram food to protect their identity. These doctrines have enabled various minority sects within Islam to survive persecution for centuries.
In contrast, Gurmat does not provide any allowance for violating its principles for material gain or even to save one’s life. If Gurmat permitted Taqiya, then Bhai Taru Singh Ji could have accepted the cutting of his hair to save his life, with the intention of later resuming his Sikh faith. If such a concept existed in Gurmat, there would have been no need for Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji to endure severe atrocities in order to uphold his Dharma.
Gurmat acknowledges the value of human life, but it does not place it above the true love and devotion for Guru Sahib. The love for Waheguru does not allow a Sikh to engage in a profit-and-loss analysis when it comes to matters of faith. A fundamental quality of a Bhagat or Aashiq (lover of the Divine) is that they do not think with their intellect (Dimaagh) but rather with their heart (Dil).
Dimaagh may attempt to rationalize and justify compromises, but Dil—driven purely by love—does not concern itself with calculations of profit or loss. Dil is only devoted to love. A Gurmukh Aashiq, therefore, focuses solely on spiritual love and devotion to Waheguru.
A true Aashiq would never resort to Taqiya or similar practices, for an Aashiq cannot turn away from their beloved, even momentarily. Taqiya is a concept alien to Gurmat because a Sikh’s relationship with Guru Sahib is one of unconditional love, where compromises in faith have no place. The unwavering commitment and courage demonstrated by the great Sikh martyrs serve as the ultimate testament to this principle.
