When is equivocation permissible, and what is the accepted criterion for the necessity that allows it?

"Tawriyah" linguistically means to conceal something. Technically, it is when a speaker utters words that carry two meanings: one that is apparent and understood by the listener, and another that is intended by the speaker. Tawriyah is considered a legitimate solution to avoid embarrassment without resorting to lying. It is permissible when there is a need or a legitimate benefit, but one should not overuse it or employ it to acquire falsehood or deny truth.

Some scholars view it as disliked when there is no need or benefit, and forbidden if it leads to falsehood or denies truth, while others have gone further to prohibit it without a need or benefit. The Prophet, peace be upon him, guided to its use in certain situations, such as pinching the nose during prayer to feign a nosebleed (to excuse oneself from prayer due to an actual minor ritual impurity).

The Salaf (early Muslims) and Imams used it in various situations. Hammad used it to escape from burdensome individuals, Sufyan al-Thawri to leave the Caliph's assembly, and Imam Ahmad to prevent al-Marwazi from leaving. There are other examples that involve using words that carry multiple meanings.

While tawriyah is permissible, one must not overuse it to avoid falling into lying, losing trust among people, appearing as a liar to those who do not understand one's intention, and allowing self-admiration to creep in.