Khawarij (خوارج)
Definition and Etymology
- Khawarij (خوارج)
- Lit. “The Revolters”
- Arabic: خوارج (Khawarij)
- Turkish: Hariciler
Historical Context
The term “Khawarij” refers to an early Islamic sect that emerged during the first century of Islam. The name derives from the Arabic root “kh-r-j” (خرج), meaning “to go out” or “to revolt.” This nomenclature reflects the group’s fundamental characteristic of seceding or revolting against what they considered unjust rule.
Emergence and Ideology
The Khawarij were initially a group of about 12,000 men who aligned themselves with Ali ibn Abi Talib during the Battle of Siffin (657 CE) but later rebelled against him. The immediate cause of the split was Ali’s decision to submit his leadership claim to arbitration, which the Khawarij believed should exclusively be determined by divine judgment, not human arbitration.
Key Beliefs
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Leadership:
- The Khawarij believed in the unrestricted eligibility of any pious Muslim to be a Khalifah (Caliph), regardless of tribal affiliation, including the Quraish tribe, which traditionally held leadership.
- They asserted that if a Caliph deviated from the truth, it was the duty of Muslims to depose or even execute him.
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Justice and Piety:
- The Khawarij emphasized that the leader must be just and pious. Personal merit and adherence to Islamic principles were crucial, superseding lineage or tribal power.
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Necessity of Caliphate:
- While advocating for leadership based on merit, the Khawarij also held the view that a Caliphate was not absolutely necessary for the Muslim community, as long as Islamic laws were upheld.
Historical Impact
In 38 AH (approximately 658 CE), many members of the Khawarij were killed in battles against `Ali’s forces. However, survivors continued to propagate their beliefs, forming various sub-sects and spreading their ideology across different parts of the Islamic world. They left a lasting imprint on Islamic thought and history, particularly in how they challenged established norms regarding leadership and governance.
Further Reading
- “The Khawarij and Their Impact on Contemporary Islam” by Zahra N. Jamal
- “The Caliphate: Its Rise, Decline, and Fall” by Sir William Muir
- “Early Islamic History and the Sectarian Movement” by W. Montgomery Watt
Takeaways
- The Khawarij played a significant role in early Islamic history by challenging established leadership norms.
- Their emphasis on piety and justice over tribal lineage had enduring implications for Islamic governance.
- The sect’s historical events underline the complexities and diversities of interpretation within the early Islamic community.
Conclusion
The Khawarij were one of the earliest and most influential Islamic sects, setting precedence on issues of Islamic leadership, justice, and governance. Their revolutionary stance against perceived injustices and their rigorous expectations for Muslim leaders reverberated through Islamic intellectual history and remain relevant discussions in the study of Islamic law and governance.
This well-structured dictionary entry for Khawarij offers a thorough examination of their origins, beliefs, and enduring significance in Islamic history.
