Murjiis: Theological Postponers Advocating Hope and Tolerance
Definition, Etymology, and Background
The term “Murjiis” (Arabic: المرجئة, transliteration: al-Murjiʾa) refers to a theological group within early Islam that emerged in the eighth century. The word “Murjiis” stems from the Arabic root ‘r-j-’ (أ-ر-ج) which means “to postpone” or “to defer”. Theologically, they are known as “postponers” because they advocated deferring judgment on believers who committed grave sins and emphasized God’s mercy and forgiveness over immediate retribution.
Historical Context and Facts
The Murjiis arose as a response to the extreme puritanism espoused by the Kharijis. The Kharijis were a strict sect that declared that any Muslim who committed a major sin ceased to be a believer. In contrast, the Murjiis argued that the determination of a person’s faith and salvation should be postponed until the Day of Judgment, allowing God’s expansive mercy to uphold the faith.
8th Century: This era saw the emergence of Murjiis, especially during the Umayyad Caliphate, after the First Fitna (656-661 CE) - a period of civil war among early Muslims.
Notable Proponent: The theologians like Hasan al-Basri are often associated with beliefs attributed to the Murjiis, emphasizing the importance of intention and the inner state of faith over outward actions.
Key Beliefs and Cultural Impact
- Postponement of Judgment: Murjiis held that only God has the right to judge who is a true believer and who is not, postponing this judgment until the Last Day.
- Emphasis on God’s Goodness: They focused on God’s attributes of mercy, kindness, and love rather than solely his wrath and punishment.
- Obedience to Rulers: They preached that a Muslim ruler should be obeyed even if one personally disagreed with his policies or questioned his character.
- Intention in Faith: They upheld that faith’s core lies in intention and belief rather than merely actions.
- Ethical Unity and Equality: Promoted tolerance and unity among Muslims, advocating for the spiritual equality of all believers.
Related Terms and Theological Concepts
- Kharijis: A rigid and uncompromising group in Islamic history, opposers of Murjiis’ philosophical approach.
- Qadarites: Another theological school that focused on the doctrine of free will, contrasting with some determinants of Murjiis’ view on divine justice.
- Ahl al-Bayt: Often revered within Shiʿite Islam; although the Murjiis were distinct, they promoted unity with such groups by emphasizing egalitarian beliefs.
Translations
- Arabic: المرجئة (al-Murjiʾa)
- Urdu: مرجئہ
- Persian: مرجئه
- Indonesian: Murji'
- Bengali: মুরজিঈস
Exciting Facts
- Tolerance Paradox: Murjiah’s principle of deferring judgment can be seen as an early example of promoting religious tolerance and coexistence.
- Caliphal Support: During the Umayyad Dynasty, Murjiis’ belief in obedience to rulers possibly helped stabilize the empire during times of theological schisms.
Notable Quotes
- “Hope in the Merciful One’s decree binds us more closely than any chain.” – Early Murjii Proverb
- “Judge not, for judgment is reserved for the Almighty alone.” – Postponers’ Creed
Recommended Literature and Further Studies
- “Early Islamic Theology: The Development of Murji’ite Thought and Its Aftermath” by Bernd-Rüdiger-Dannert
- “The Murji’ite Movement in Early Islamic History” by Josef van Ess
- “Islamic Theological Bodies: Between Doctrine and Society” edited by Yonatan Sindel
Farewell Thought
“Let the harmonious teachings of unity and foresight of the Murjiis remind us that patience, tolerance, and the deferral of judgment reflect the divine nature of mercy and love that transcends time.”
Ibrahim Al-Yusuf, reflecting upon the timeless lessons of the Murjiis
