Ismailis and Taqiyya
Ismailis believe in the Shiite doctrine of taqiyya, which means to hide one’s true religious beliefs if there is a risk of persecution. This doctrine has been pivotal to the survival of Ismaili groups since they have been small minorities in many countries and empires hostile to them.
Ismaili Muslims, a group that numbers between 30,000 to 40,000 in Houston where the organization is headquartered, are not predisposed to any political party, but Perry has seen support from Texas Ismailis as well as Muslims from the bigger Sunni and Shia traditions.
Perry has signed off on a couple pieces of legislation they lobbied for, including halal regulations. (Tuesday August 12, 2003, ceremonial signing session of HB-470 TX Halal Law)
Perry is a friend of the Aga Khan, the religious leader of the Ismailis, a sect of Shia Islam that claims a reported 15 to 20 million adherents worldwide. Sprouting from that friendship are at least two cooperation agreements between the state of Texas and Ismaili institutions, including a far-reaching program to educate Texas schoolchildren about Islam.
The timing of this call to prayer and fasting couldn’t be more telling. Why is Texas Gov. Rick Perry (Republican) calling Americans to prayer and fast on what happens to be the first day of the muslim fasting month of ramadan? Surely, this cannot simply be a coincidence!?
Anyone who aligns with Muslims in any form is a traitor to the free world!
