Definition
Al-Azāriqah (الازارقة), founded by Nāfiʿ ibn al-Azraq, is a significant but radical faction within the Kharijite movement in Islam. This group is known for its extreme ideologies, particularly condemning ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib, the fourth caliph of Islam, and deeming his assassination justifiable.
Etymology
Al-Azāriqah is derived from the name of its founder, Nāfiʿ ibn al-Azraq (d. 685). The term ‘Azāriqah’ can be translated to mean “followers of al-Azraq.”
Background
The Kharijite movement itself arose in the 7th century as a reaction to the battle of Ṣiffīn and the arbitration that followed during the first Islamic civil war (fitna). The Kharijites were initially supporters of ʿAlī but broke away due to disagreements over his decision to negotiate with his rival, Muʿawiyah.
Nāfiʿ ibn al-Azraq led a faction known as the Al-Azāriqah. This sect is the most extreme of the Kharijites, advocating for the excommunication of all non-members and sanctioning violence against those they deemed infidels, including Muslims who did not adhere to their strict interpretations.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
The Al-Azāriqah’s ideology sharply contrasted with more mainstream Islamic thought. Their views were rooted in fundamentalist extremism and strict interpretations of Islamic law, considering themselves the only true Muslims. Similar to other radical groups within different faiths, they sought a return to what they perceived as a “pure” form of their religion, marking sharp departures from the more accommodating theological frameworks of mainstream Islam.
Similarities
- Similar to other factions in Islam in the use of Quranic justifications for their beliefs.
- Adherence to Sharia but with much stricter interpretations.
Differences
- Denouncement of ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib, which is widely condemned in mainstream Sunni and Shia Islam.
- Endorsement of takfir (excommunication) and violence against non-members, even other Muslims.
Synonyms
- Kharijites (خوارج)
- Al-Azraqites
Antonyms
- Mainstream Sunni Islam
- Shiite Islam
Related Terms and Definitions
- Khārijites (الخوارج): An early Islamic sect that rebelled against the caliphs and established their radical interpretations.
- Takfir (تكفير): The act of declaring a Muslim to be an unbeliever or apostate.
- Fitna (فتنة): Civil strife or conflicts, often used to denote early Islamic civil wars.
Fascinating Facts
- The Al-Azāriqah justified their extreme views by radical interpretations of certain Quranic verses.
- They created autonomous communities isolated from the rest of society, a practice similar to some recluse religious groups.
Quotes
“A great Khalifah has found his detractors not in his adversaries but within the ranks of those who once pledged allegiance; such is the paradox of religious sectarianism.” — Ash-Shahrastānī
“The fervor of early Islamic schismatics illustrates the eternal struggle between idealism and pragmatism in theology.” — Haarbruecker
Suggest Literature
For those interested in probing deeper into the ideological roots and historical significance of the Kharijite movement and the Al-Azāriqah:
- “Muslim Sects and Divisions: The Sectarian Milieu” by A. A. Qadir
- “Islamic Sects and Their Sects” by Hashim Muhammad
- “Ash-Shahrastānī on the Duality of Men: The Systems of the Islamic Sects” translated by Simon Archikit
Quizzes
This exploration into Al-Azāriqah provides a glimpse into early Islamic sectarianism and the fervent ideological clashes that have shaped the history of the Muslim world.
Hassan ibn Kareem
October 6, 2023
“Understanding the past reveals much about the potential resolutions of current ideological divides.”
