Crypto-Islam

Crypto-Islam is the secret adherence to Islam while publicly professing to be of another faith; people who practice crypto-Islam are referred to as "crypto-Muslims." The word has mainly been used in reference to Spanish Muslims and Sicilian Muslims during the Inquisition (i.e., the Moriscos and Saraceni and their usage of Aljamiado).

Historic examples

Some historic examples include Ahmad ibn Qasim Al-Hajarī, 16th-century crypto-Muslim from Spain who authored a book recounting how he organized his escape from Spain to Morocco, and also including a refutation of the Catholic opinions about Jesus. The books also included details about how crypto-Muslims lived in Spain. He later became Ambassador of Morocco to Spain.

There are claims that Armah, who ruled the Kingdom of Aksum and gave refuge to early Muslim converts, was a crypto-Muslim.

During 16th to late 18th century Russia, the native Muslims of the region faced frequent persecution by the authorities which saw many episodes of forced conversions to Christianity. During these times, the newly converted continued to secretly practice Islam. Once Russia allowed Muslims to practice their faith, many of the converted reverted to Islam.

See also

• Crypto-Christianity
• Crypto-Judaism
• Crypto-Paganism
• Crypto-Hinduism
• Limpieza de sangre
• Oran fatwa
• Taqiya

Bibliography

• Harvey, L. P. (16 May 2005). Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-226-31963-6.
• Rustam Shukurov, "The Crypto-Muslims of Anatolia," in Anthropology, Archeology and Heritage in the Balkans and Anatolia or The Life and Times of F.W. Hasluck (1878-1920), ed. David Shankland, Istanbul: Isis, 2004, volume 2, pages 135–158.