I believe it to be allowed in certain cases. If it would cause violence against onesself...absolutely. I am a muslim living in a small farming community in the bible belt of the central U.S. I have been hanging out with some friends (bikers, I love my harley and won't give it up for the world) and they will hear something or start talking about "those towel-headed terrorist muslims" and I will certainly not say "hey guys, I'm a muslim" in that environment because there is unnecessary harm to myself if I do. I love to ride, but I sometimes ride with some guys that aren't very understanding of world culture if you get my drift. I also don't feel that God looks down on me for keeping my mouth shut.

Spengo: Why is taqiyya valid in your situation other than your perception of "wrongful persecution". You say you were with "friends" but they have no knowledge that you are Muslim. If you truely believed they would hurt you fatally if you were to have divulged this why on earth do you consider them friends? I would say that hiding the fact you are Muslim to your friends is deceptive in that case if this is prevailing sentiment amoung your "friends" then you knew about this beforehand and still hang out with them. Does the Quran not say "take not for friends unbelievers" (Quran 5:80-81) therefore you put yourself in danger? Have they bashed any Muslims that you know of? I'm asking you to say whether your "fear of persecution" is real or imagined in the above situation. I'm not American so I wouldnt know how true or real American Muslims fear are of unprovoked violence from American Christian's. Are you saying this is widespread and Muslims have to hide the fact they are Muslims in the bible belt areas? If that were so than surely Muslima's can discard the hijab for the same reason....fear of persecution. Any thoughts on this? Cheers

according to wiki, and the way I was taught it's meaning, According to many Shia, Taqiyyah can only be legally used by a Muslim verbally when he or she is being wrongly persecuted. The situation may be when revealing the truth is more important than saving one's life. In such a case, one must not conceal the faith and must uphold the truth. When one is guilty and is trying to conceal his or her guilt he is not said to be using taqiyyah, he or she is considered a liar and Taqiyyah isn't valid in this case.