To recognize and criticize any sect or ideology, one must first understand its initial definitions, history, principles, and characteristics. Then, one can weigh its method, community, and party in the balance of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-al Jama’ah. One of the false groups is the well-known Khawarij; in this article, we will introduce this group. Therefore, we will first explain its literal definition and then its terminological definition, allowing us to understand them in the light of these definitions and according to the sayings of scholars of the predecessors and successors.
Literal Meaning
Khawarij is a noun derived from “khorouj” and is based on the root “kharaj.” There are two possible reasons for naming this group as such: 1. Their departure from religion; 2. Their rebellion against the people.
Allamah Zubaidi, may Allah have mercy on him, one of the scholars of linguistics, states in this regard: The Haruriyya, a faction of the Khawarij, is divided into seven tribes—a detailed discussion of which will follow later. They were called by this name because of their rebellion against the people, their departure from religion, their straying from the truth, or their separation from Hazrat Ali (may Allah have mercy on him) after the Battle of Saffin.
Khawarij are generally defined as those who leave the Muslim community with the sword and promote their own beliefs. This departure is characterized by opposition to the principles of Sharia.
Terminological Definition and Reason for the Name
Imam Ibn Hajar Asqalani (may Allah have mercy on him) states: “The Khawarij are a group of people of innovation who were named for their departure from the faith and also for going against the best members of the nation.”
Imam Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) notes: “They are referred to as Khawarij because they departed from the Jama’ah (community) or because they forsook the community’s way and method.”
Imam al-Shahristani writes: “Anyone who rebels against the rightful Imam, whom the community [of Muslims] has agreed upon, is called a Kharijite; it makes no difference whether this rebellion occurs during the days of the Companions, against the Rightly Guided Caliphs, or afterward, against the Tabi’een who are remembered favorably, or against other Imams at any time.”
Imam Kirmani states: “As for the Khawarij, they left the faith and separated from the community, deviated from Islam, and strayed from the path of guidance. They rebelled against the Sultan and the Imams, rose up against the Muslim nation, and deemed their blood and property lawful. They declared anyone opposing them to be an infidel, except for those who agreed with them and remained in their error.”
According to the definitions above, the reason for naming the Khawarij stems from their departure from the community, the way of the Muslims, and the Imam of the Ahl al-Sunnah during their time. However, according to another theory, the basis for their departure—considering the hadiths and their historical context, which will be further discussed—is the Takfir (excommunication) of Muslims and the subsequent permission for bloodshed, which led to their killings and other crimes.
Given their incorrect understanding and interpretation, the Khawarij continuously rebel and depart with a specific belief; they do not adhere to a singular ideology or book and leave under various names during times of discord and division among Muslims. They split into different factions, each time presenting false and contemporary interpretations, ultimately declaring Muslims to be excommunicated, deeming their blood lawful, and encouraging others to rebel against the Imam and the congregation through their misinterpretations. Therefore, various definitions have been attributed to the Khawarij; however, here we have included only the necessary definitions.
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