Definition and Meaning
Kharijis/Kharijites: Originally supportors of Ali, they later rejected his leadership due to his agreement to arbitration with Muawiyah. They became an early sectarian group in Islam, distinct from both Sunni and Shii traditions.
Etymology
The term “Khariji” (خوارج, plural of “Kharijite”) stems from the Arabic root word “kharaja” (خَرَجَ), meaning “to withdraw”. They acquired this name due to their secession from Ali’s camp.
Background and Historical Facts
The Kharijis are notable in Islamic history for their radical position and early secession from the Muslim community. Originally, they supported Ali’s leadership due to his wisdom and piety. However, their schism occurred following the Battle of Siffin (657 CE) when Ali agreed to submit his quarrel with Muawiyah to arbitration. Disillusioned, a group of Ali’s followers accused him of rejecting the Qur’an and deserted his camp.
Ali faced significant turmoil due to this defection and eventually fought the Kharijis at the Battle of Nahrawan in 658 CE. The repercussions were severe, as Ali was assassinated in the mosque of Kufa in 661 CE by a Khariji extremist.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While the mainstream Sunni and Shii branches of Islam continued to grow, the Kharijis persisted in smaller, isolated communities. One branch of the Kharijis, the Ibadis, continued to flourish, especially in Oman and parts of North and East Africa, distinguishing themselves by maintaining their distinct theological and jurisprudential views.
The Kharijis have often been characterized by their insistence on piety, equity, and a distinctly literalist interpretation of Islamic texts. This sets them apart from other Islamic schools.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms: Ibadis (a surviving branch), Seceders
Antonyms: Sunnis, Shiis
Related Terms
- Sunni: One of the two main branches of Islam, parallel to the divided paths of early Islamic factions.
- Shii (Shia): Another significant branch in Islam, marked by their allegiance to Ali and his descendants.
- Ibadi: A current branch stemming from the original Khariji movement, predominantly existing in Oman.
Exciting Facts
- Unlike the radical characteristics often associated with early Kharijis, today’s Ibadi Muslims are known for their moderate views and rejection of both Sunni and Shii extremes.
- The assassination of Ali by a Khariji is a significant event that precipitated further divisions within the nascent Islamic community.
Quotations
- “They deemed the arbitration a betrayal of the divine will and acted upon their fate with radical zeal.” - Ibn Kathir, notable Islamic historian.
Further Reading
- “Islamic Dynasties of the Arab East” by Clifford Edmund Bosworth.
- “History of the Arabs” by Philip Hitti for a broader context of early Islamic history including the Kharijites.
- Schacht, Joseph and Bosworth, Clifford Edmund, “The Encyclopaedia of Islam”.
Translations
- Arabic: الخوارج (Al-Khawarij)
- Urdu: خوارج (Khawarij)
- Bengali: খারিজি (Khariji)
- Persian: خوارج (Khawarij)
- Indonesian: Khawarij
- Turkish: Hariciler
Quizzes
Inspirational Thought: In studying early sects like the Kharijis, we are reminded that the diversity of thought and belief has always existed in human civilization, presenting us an opportunity for dialogue and deeper understanding.
- Nasir Al-Maliki, October 2023
