History of Khwarijies |meanings and Introduction
Islam is a religion that has been practiced for centuries, and with that comes a vast history of differing interpretations and beliefs. One such group that emerged in the early days of Islam were the Khwaarijies, who were known for their radical ideologies and extremist practices. Despite being a small and often misunderstood group, the Khwaarijies played a significant role in shaping the early Muslim community and continue to have an impact on Islamic discourse today.
In this blog post, we will delve into the history, beliefs, and practices of the Khwaarijies, exploring their contributions as well as the controversies that surround them. Whether you are a Muslim seeking to deepen your understanding of Islamic history or a curious reader interested in the complexities of religion, this post will provide a comprehensive introduction to the Khwaarijies.
I. History of the Khwaarijies
The Khwaarijies were a sect from the early days of Islam that emerged during the time of Hazrat Ali's caliphate in the 7th century. The word "Khwaarij" comes from the Arabic verb "khawa-raja," which means to rebel or withdraw. The Khwaarijies were a extremist group who believed that any Muslim who committed a major sin would be considered an unbeliever and be eternally damned. They advocated for violent rebellion against Muslim leaders and were responsible for numerous assassinations throughout Islamic history. Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph of Islam, was a target of the Khwaarijies, who considered him to be unfit to hold the position of caliph.
Despite efforts to reconcile with the Khwaarijies, they broke away from mainstream Islam and remained a marginalized group. Their beliefs and practices have had a lasting impact on Islamic theology and politics, and their legacy continues to be debated among Muslims today.
Thus, the Khwarijies emerged as a result of a disagreement with Ali over his caliphate, which led to a significant division and schism within the Islamic community. Their extremist beliefs and practices further exacerbated this division, leading to their condemnation by mainstream Muslims. However, despite their isolation from mainstream Islam, the Khwarijies played a significant role in the early development of Islamic theology and jurisprudence.
Their beliefs and practices continue to inspire and influence contemporary extremist groups, highlighting the importance of understanding their origins and motivations in order to effectively counter their dangerous ideologies. Ultimately, the history of the Khwarijies serves as a reminder of the dangers of divisive sectarianism and the importance of unity within diverse communities.
II. Beliefs and Practices of the Khwaarijies in the Era of Hazrat Ali
The Khwarijies were a group of extremists who emerged during the era of Hazrat Ali. Their beliefs were rooted in their interpretation of Islamic Law, which they believed to be the only true and correct interpretation. They had a strong belief system of justice and equality, which they felt was necessary for the establishment of a righteous Islamic society. The Khwarijies argued that anyone who deviated from their interpretations should be punished by death, even if it was a Muslim leader or an innocent individual.
Their rigid and uncompromising stance led to conflict and violence, as they considered anyone who disagreed with them as an enemy. Despite their belief in justice and equality, the Khwarijies' approach to punishment was extreme and led to widespread bloodshed during their time. Ultimately, their ideology was rejected by the majority of Muslims who favored a more moderate approach.
The Khwaarijies were a radical group that emerged during the era of Hazrat Ali in the early Islamic empire. They believed in the concept of takfir, which allowed them to declare fellow Muslims as unbelievers based on their interpretation of Islamic law. Additionally, the Khwaarijies held the belief that individuals should be held to a higher standard than rulers, and that rulers must remain accountable for their actions.
This ideology was in contrast to the prevailing view held by most Muslims during Hazrat Ali's rule, which emphasized the importance of maintaining political stability and unity within the Islamic community. The Khwaarijies' willingness to use violence as a means of achieving their goals ultimately led to their downfall, as they were unable to gain widespread support and were eventually defeated by Hazrat Ali's forces.
Despite their failed attempt at revolution, the Khwaarijies' legacy continues to influence contemporary debates within Islamic thought surrounding issues of political authority and religious extremism.
Meanwhile, it is important to note that the Khwarijies' belief in justice and accountability was not just limited to the era of Hazrat Ali. This ideology continued to influence Islamic political thought for centuries to come, and it remains relevant today as well. The Khwarijies' call for the removal of unjust rulers and their emphasis on Islamic values continue to inspire modern movements seeking political reform and social justice.
However, it is also important to recognize that the Khwarijies' extreme views and violent methods were widely rejected by mainstream Muslims throughout history. Nevertheless, their legacy serves as a reminder of the critical importance of justice and accountability in Islamic governance, and their message continues to resonate with Muslims who yearn for a more just and equitable world.
Final Say
In many ways, the Khwaarijies represent a fascinating and complex element of Islamic history. Although their extremist practices have caused controversy and even violence throughout the centuries, it is important to acknowledge the contributions they made to the early Muslim community.
By exploring their beliefs and practices, we can gain a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives that exist within Islam. Whether you agree or disagree with their ideology, there is no denying that the Khwaarijies have left an indelible mark on Islamic discourse. By studying their history, we can continue to learn from their successes and mistakes, and perhaps move closer to a more tolerant and inclusive vision of Islam.
The *Khawarij الخوارج* are one of the earliest sects in Islamic history. The word itself gives you the meaning.
*1. Meaning of "Khawarij"*
*الخوارج* comes from the root *خ-ر-ج* meaning "to exit, to go out, to rebel".
So *Khawarij = "Those who went out / rebels / seceders"*.
They were called this because they "went out" against both Ali رضي الله عنه and Muawiyah رضي الله عنه during the early Muslim civil wars.
*2. Historical Introduction: Where Did They Start?*
The Khawarij appeared during the time of the *4th Caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه*, around *37 AH / 657 CE*.
*Key events:*
1. *Battle of Siffin 37 AH*: Ali رضي الله عنه vs Muawiyah رضي الله عنه. To avoid more Muslim bloodshed, both sides agreed to *arbitration التحكيم*.
2. *The Protest*: A group in Ali's army rejected arbitration. They said: *"لَا حُكْمَ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ"* _"No judgment except for Allah"_.
- For them, accepting human arbitration in a matter of religion was shirk.
3. *They Separated*: About 12,000 soldiers left Ali's camp and gathered at a place called *Harura*. That’s why they were also called *"Haruriyyah"*.
4. *Battle of Nahrawan 38 AH*: Ali رضي الله عنه fought them because they started declaring other Muslims as kafir and killing civilians. Most were defeated.
After that, Khawarij groups kept appearing throughout Islamic history, often in Iraq, North Africa, and Oman.
*3. Main Beliefs Associated with Early Khawarij*
Historians note these characteristics from early sources. Not every later group held all of them:
1. *Takfir*: They declared major sinners to be disbelievers and outside Islam.
2. *Rebellion*: They believed it was obligatory to rebel against any Muslim ruler they deemed sinful or unjust.
3. *Strictness*: Extremely strict in applying Quran and Sunnah, but often without scholarly context.
4. *Quranic slogan*: They used *"الحكم لله"* _"Judgment belongs to Allah alone"_.
The Prophet ﷺ actually prophesied about a group like this:
*"يَخْرُجُ فِي هَذِهِ الأُمَّةِ قَوْمٌ تَحْقِرُونَ صَلاَتَكُمْ مَعَ صَلاَتِهِمْ، يَقْرَءُونَ القُرْآنَ لاَ يُجَاوِزُ حَلاَقَهُمْ"*
_"There will emerge in this nation a people whose prayer you will consider insignificant compared to theirs. They will recite the Quran but it will not go beyond their throats..."_
*Sahih al-Bukhari 3610, Sahih Muslim 1064*
Another hadith:
*"يَمْرُقُونَ مِنَ الدِّينِ كَمَا يَمْرُقُ السَّهْمُ مِنَ الرَّمِيَّةِ"*
_"They will pass through the religion like an arrow passes through its target."_
*Sahih al-Bukhari 5057*
Scholars explained this means they leave Islam in practice even while appearing religious.
*4. What Happened to Them?*
The original Khawarij at Nahrawan were largely defeated. But subgroups survived:
- *Ibadiyya الإباضية*: The only major Khawarij-related group that still exists today. Mainly in Oman, parts of North Africa. Modern Ibadis do NOT hold the extreme takfiri views of the early Khawarij.
- *Other historical groups*: Azariqa, Najdat, Sufriyya etc. Most died out centuries ago.
Mainstream Sunni scholars throughout history declared the early Khawarij as *"Ahlul-Bid'ah"* people of innovation, and warned against their methodology of declaring Muslims kafir over sins.
*Q1: What does "Khawarij" literally mean?*
*A:* It means "those who go out" or "seceders". They were named this because they "went out" from the army of Ali رضي الله عنه after accepting arbitration at Siffin.
*Q2: When did the Khawarij first appear?*
*A:* 37-38 AH / 657-658 CE, during the caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه, after the Battle of Siffin and the event of arbitration.
*Q3: What was their main slogan?*
*A:* *"لَا حُكْمَ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ"* _"No judgment except for Allah"_. They used it to reject human arbitration.
*Q4: Did the Prophet ﷺ mention them?*
*A:* Yes. Multiple authentic hadith describe a group that would recite Quran a lot, pray a lot, but "pass through the religion like an arrow". Scholars say this referred to the Khawarij. *Sahih al-Bukhari 3610*
*Q5: What was their biggest problem according to scholars?*
*A:* 2 things: 1. *Extreme Takfir* - declaring Muslims kafir for major sins. 2. *Rebellion* - declaring it halal to revolt and fight Muslim rulers and civilians.
*Q6: Are Ibadis the same as historical Khawarij?*
*A:* Ibadis trace some historical roots to early Khawarij. But modern Ibadi scholars and communities in Oman reject the extreme takfiri and violent methods of the first Khawarij. They consider themselves mainstream Ahlus-Sunnah in most fiqh matters.
*Q7: What did Ali رضي الله عنه do with them?*
*A:* He first debated them and invited them back. When they started killing Muslims, he fought them at the *Battle of Nahrawan 38 AH*.
*Q8: Do Khawarij still exist today?*
*A:* The original sects are gone. Scholars and institutions like Al-Azhar warn that any modern group that uses Khawarij methodology - mass takfir, rebellion, killing civilians - is following that path. But "Khawarij" as an organized sect no longer exists.
*Q9: How did Ahlus-Sunnah respond to them?*
*A:* Major scholars like Hasan al-Basri, Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما debated them. The 4 Imams and later scholars wrote refutations and defined the Sunni position: sins don’t automatically make one a kafir, and rebellion against Muslim rulers is not allowed except in clear kufr.
*Q10: Why is it important to study them today?*
*A:* To understand early Islamic history, to recognize extremist thought patterns, and to follow the balanced middle path of the Quran and Sunnah as understood by the companions.
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