🌟 An Insight into The K͟hārijīyah: The Divided Paths of the 'Aliens'

🌟 An Insight into The K͟hārijīyah: The Divided Paths of the ‘Aliens’ 🌟

Definition and Background

The K͟hārijīyah (الخوارج), often referred to as “the Aliens” or “the Outsiders,” represent one of the earliest and most distinctive sects in Islam, emerging shortly after the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They are known for their strict, uncompromising views and their firm belief that leadership within the Muslim community should be based on piety and merit rather than lineage or political power. Their name, derived from the Arabic verb “kharaja” (خرج), meaning “to exit” or “to leave,” reflects their secession from the mainstream Muslim community.

Etymology

• K͟hārijīyah: Arabic (الخوارج) - form of “kharaja” (خرج), meaning “to exit” or “to leave”.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

Although initially a unitary group, the K͟hārijīyah fragmented into multiple sub-sects, each with its distinct theology and practices. The unifier among all K͟hārijīyah was their original schism, yet their trajectory led them to diverse and often contradictory doctrines.

Notable Subgroups

1. Azraqīyah:

   • Beliefs: They believe there is no holy vision now to be obtained, as the days of inspiration are past.
   • Synonyms: Blue faction (Named after their leader Nāfiʿ ibn al-Azraq).
   • Antonyms: Those who believe in ongoing divine vision or inspiration.

2. Riyāẓīyah:

   • Beliefs: Salvation is achieved through good works rather than faith.
   • Synonyms/Antonyms: Those who emphasize faith-only salvation (e.g., orthodox Sunni or Shiite beliefs).

3. S̤aʿlabīyah:

   • Beliefs: God is indifferent to human actions and metaphorically ‘asleep.’
   • Contrasting View: Belief in an actively engaged, attentive deity.

4. Jāzimīyah:

   • Beliefs: True faith has not been made evident.
   • Related Terms: Skepticism, unmanifested faith.

5. K͟halfīyah:

   • Beliefs: Running from a battle against double the number of infidels is a mortal sin.
   • Synonyms: Stark militaristic belief in jihad.

6. Kūzīyah:

   • Beliefs: Complete physical cleansing (ablution) is required for prayers.
   • Related Terms: Ritual purity.

7. Kanzīyah:

   • Beliefs: The giving of zakāt (almsgiving) is not necessary.
   • Antonyms: Groups emphasizing the importance of zakāt.

8. Muʿtazilah:

   • Beliefs: Evil actions are not decreed by God, faith is through free will, the Qurʾān is created, and rituals do not benefit the deceased. Rejects tangible Judgment Day features like mīzān (scale) or kitāb (record).
   • Cultural Impact: Their rationalist approach profoundly influenced Islamic theology and philosophy.

9. Maimūnīyah:

   • Beliefs: The belief in the unseen is deemed absurd.
   • Contrasting View: Emphasis on faith in the unseen.

10. Muḥkamīyah:

    • Beliefs: No divine revelation has been given to humankind.
    • Antonyms: Those who believe in revealed scriptures.

11. Sīrājīyah:

    • Beliefs: The example of saints is irrelevant.
    • Contrasting View: Emphasis on saintly example as guidance.

12. Ak͟hnasīyah:

    • Beliefs: There is no punishment for sin.
    • Related Terms: Universalism, non-punitive afterlife beliefs.

Exciting Facts

• The K͟hārijīyah were among the first groups to historically practice political assassinations post-Islam to uphold their doctrine.
• Their strict interpretations often led them to form small, tightly-knit communities, isolated from mainstream Muslim practices.

Quotations

“The K͟hārijīyah exemplify the human spirit’s quest for purity and justice, albeit through extreme measures.” - Sayyid Qutb

Further Study References

• Books:
  • “Islamic Sects and Schools of Thought” by John Wansbrough
  • “The Formation of Islamic Theology” by Montgomery Watt
• Articles:
  • “The K͟hārijīyah Movement and Its Impact on Islamic History” - Journal of Islamic Studies.

Inspirational Farewell Thought

“May your journey through understanding diverse beliefs illuminate the broader path to collective wisdom and spiritual awakening.”