Batin (Islam)

[4] As mentioned above, comprehension of the faith is achieved through seeking and finding this inner meaning, therefore great emphasis is placed on the batin by Ismaili Pirs in their composition of ginans.

[7] A grounding feature of Ismailism is the co-existence of the physical and the spiritual, the zahir (exoteric) form and the batin (esoteric) essence.

Where there is hostility to esoteric understandings of Islam, this heightened focus on the faith’s inner dimensions creates a greater need for taqiyyah.

[9] Ismailis and other esoterically-inclined Muslim communities employ taqiyyah to ensure the esoteric teachings are reserved only for those who are prepared to receive them.

Firstly, the unprepared recipient of such information may find it emotionally or mentally overwhelming, making it necessary to protect their well-being.