That is totally bullshit and lie!
Taqiya refers to a Muslim being forced, under compulsion, to utter disbelief to save his life. Islam forgives this act if done under coercion, but otherwise, Sunni Muslims are never permitted to do it. Sunni scholars generally do not discuss taqiya in fiqh, as it is seen as a natural reaction under extreme danger, like torture or threats to life.
It is a practice found among Shia Muslims but not among Sunni Muslims. For example, if you meet any Sunni Muslim and ask him about taqiya, he would tell you he does not know it. This is correct, as it is neither mentioned nor taught among Sunnis, unlike Shias, who believe they would be persecuted if they openly stated their true beliefs that contradict or oppose other Muslims’ doctrines. For instance, if Shias openly declared that they do not recognize the legitimacy of the ruler at the time but believe in the leadership (wilaya) of the Prophet’s cousin, Ali, and his descendants, they would likely be exposed to death by those rulers, who would consider such statements a form of rebellion threatening their authority. Since then, Shias have taught their children taqiya to protect themselves, avoid isolation, and prevent conflicts with their environment by hiding beliefs that sharply contradict the majority’s doctrines.
The Quran addresses this in Surah An-Nahl (16:106): "Whoever disbelieves in Allah after having believed- except under compulsion while his heart is secure in faith- but those who open their hearts to disbelief, upon them is wrath from Allah, and for them is a severe punishment."
This verse was revealed regarding early Muslims in Mecca who were persecuted by the Quraysh. Some of the most notable companions affected include Ammar ibn Yasir, who was tortured until he was forced to utter words of disbelief under compulsion while remaining faithful in his heart; his father Yasir and his mother Sumayyah, the first female martyr in Islam, who were killed for their faith; as well as Suhaib ibn Sinan, Bilal ibn Rabah, Khabbab ibn Al-Aratt, and Salim, the freed servant of Abu Hudhaifa, who all suffered severe torture.
When Ammar came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) crying after being forced to utter disbelief, the Prophet asked him, “How do you find your heart?” Ammar replied, “At peace with faith.” The Prophet then advised, “If they force you again, then do the same.” This situation led to the revelation of the verse, affirming that a person forced to utter disbelief while their heart remains steadfast in faith is not held sinful, whereas anyone who willingly embraces disbelief is subject to Allah’s wrath and severe punishment.
This verse forms the basis for the Sunni understanding of taqiya: it is allowed only under coercion, and only if the heart remains firm in faith. It is not a general practice, and Sunni jurisprudence emphasizes that it is a natural reaction under extreme danger, not a doctrinal obligation.
