In the previous article, we spoke of the danger of the Kharijites sect and the Shariah position on them. The Prophet described them in the strongest terms, which indicates the danger and evil of this sect to the Muslims in general. And that is proved by the history that testifies to their crimes.
Who are the Kharijites, what are the appellations they were named?
Definition of Kharijites:
They are those who accuse others of disbelief because they have committed sins. And rebel against the Imams of the Muslims and their group.
Al-Shahristani says in al-Milal wa al-Nahl: “Anyone who rebels against the true Imam agreed upon by the group is called Kharijite, whether the rebellion was during the days of the Companions against the rightly- guided Imams, or after them against those who followed them with good conduct, and the Imams at all times.”
The word “Kharijites” also includes all those who have adopted their fundamentals and followed their path of takfir and killing, such as the takfirist groups in this era and so on. The Prophet (ﷺ) told of the first Kharijites, as he told of the later Kharijites, and that they appear at all times. In Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet (ﷺ), he said: `There will emerge at the end of time people who are young in age and immature. Who will use (in their claim) the best speech of all people (i.e. the Qur’an), but their faith will go no deeper than their throats. And they will pass through the religion as an arrow goes through the prey. Wherever you encounter them, kill them, for he who kills them shall get a reward on the Day of Resurrection.`
Kharijites’ appellations
The Kharijites have many appellations given to them by the Muslims by which they were known both in the past and in the present, including:
1) The Kharijites: this name is from the Prophet’s description that they revolt when the Muslims are divided.
2) Al-Muhakkima: Because they broke away from Ali because of the issue of arbitration.
3) The Haruriya: They are the ones who broke away from Ali and the Companions, and when they went out, they assembled in an area called Harura’.
4) Ahlu al-Nahrawan: after the place where Ali bin Abi Talib fought them.
5) Al-Shurat: They claimed they sold themselves to gain Allah’s approval in their struggle against the Muslims. This name was given to groups of the first Kharijites, and today’s Kharijites still believe that this claim can be fulfilled. The Kharijites boasted of this name and were proud of it, and this is what Imran bin Hattan al-Kharji said, “I am a part of what the Shurat pledged on the Day of Nakhila at the ruined Jawsaq”.
6) Al-Mariqa: Because the Prophet (ﷺ) described them as (they go out of the religion as an arrow goes out of its game).
7) Al-Mukafira: because they accuse the perpetrator of major sins of disbelief, as well as those who oppose them from among the Muslims.
8) Al-Nasiba: Because they maintained hostility against Ali and his family and voiced their hatred.
These are their most prominent appellations. They accept all of these names on one consideration and deny them on the other. As for calling them “al-Mariqa” they reject it outright.
to be continued…
Written by/ Khaled Al-Hammad