Zindeeq

A zindeeq (زِنْدِيق‎, plural zanādiqa زَنَادِقَة) is an Arabic term, historically used to denote someone whose beliefs or practices were considered heretical or subversive to Islam. The term is complex and its precise meaning has varied throughout Islamic history and across different geographical regions and contexts.

Originally, the term seems to have been used broadly to refer to adherents of dualistic religions like Manichaeism. In this context, it indicated someone perceived as outwardly professing Islam while secretly adhering to other, often pre-Islamic, belief systems. It carried connotations of disbelief, hypocrisy, and hidden opposition to Islamic doctrines.

Over time, the usage of zindeeq expanded beyond Manichaeans. It was sometimes applied to atheists, freethinkers, or those suspected of holding philosophical or theological views deemed incompatible with orthodox Islamic thought. The vagueness of the term made it susceptible to political and social manipulation. Accusations of zandaqa (the state of being a zindeeq) were sometimes leveled against individuals considered dangerous to the ruling powers or those who challenged established religious norms.

The concept of zandaqa remains a contentious topic in Islamic studies, with ongoing debates regarding its precise definition, historical usage, and theological implications. The term is rarely used in contemporary discourse, its historical association with accusations of heresy leading to a cautious avoidance in modern contexts.