Khārijīyah – Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: الخوارج (al-Khawārij)
- Turkish: Hariciler
Khārijīyah (الخوارج) derives from the Arabic root “خ ر ج” (kharaja), which means “to go out” or “to exit.” This term originally referred to a group of early Muslim dissenters who broke away from the mainstream caliphate after the Battle of Siffin (657 CE), opposing both the ruling Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib and the Umayyad dynasty. In Turkish, they are called Hariciler.
Overview
The Khārijīyah, often translated as “the Aliens” or “the Seceders,” consist of several sub-sects, each with distinct theological and jurisprudential positions. They are characterized by their strict, puritanical interpretations of Islam and their firm belief in the necessity of righteous deeds, over and above mere faith.
Sub-Sects and Their Beliefs
1. Azraqīyah (Azrakiya)
- Belief: They do not believe in the possibility of holy visions or divine inspiration in the contemporary era.
2. Riyāẓīyah (Riyaziya)
- Belief: They emphasize that salvation is achieved through good works (āmāl) rather than faith (īmān).
3. Saʿlabīyah (Saʿlabiya)
- Belief: They propose that God is indifferent to human actions, akin to a state of divine slumber.
4. Jāzimīyah (Jazimiya)
- Belief: They assert that true faith has yet to be truly revealed and comprehended.
5. Khalfīyah (Khalfiya)
- Belief: They hold that fleeing from battle against infidels, even if outnumbered two to one, is a mortal sin for Muslims.
6. Kūzīyah (Kūziya)
- Belief: They stipulate that proper ablutions must completely cleanse the body to prepare for prayers.
7. Kanzīyah (Kanziya)
- Belief: They do not regard the giving of zakāt (almsgiving) as obligatory.
8. Muʿtazilah (Mu’tazila)
- Belief: Opposing the doctrine of predestination, they argue that:
- Evil actions are not decreed by God.
- The prayers of a sinful man are unacceptable to God.
- Faith is a matter of free will.
- The Qurʾān is created.
- Almsgiving and prayers do not benefit the dead.
- Important eschatological elements like the “mīzān” (scales of justice) and “kitāb” (records of deeds) do not exist.
9. Maimūnīyah (Maimuniya)
- Belief: They consider belief in the unseen as nonsensical.
10. Muḥkamīyah (Muhkamiya)
- Belief: They argue that God has not revealed His will to humanity.
11. Sīrājīyah (Sirajiya)
- Belief: They hold that following the example of saints is unimportant.
12. Ak͟hnasīyah (Akhansiya)
- Belief: They deny the existence of divine punishment for sins.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Muslim Sects and Divisions” by A.J. Wensinck
- “The Formation of Islamic Thought” by Wim Raven
- “The Khārijīs and Islamic Scholasticism” by Marian Hillar
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Khārijīyah’s diverse interpretations and fiercely independent stances have historically positioned them outside mainstream Sunni and Shia Islam. Their views challenge conventional beliefs about divine authority, the afterlife, faith, and the importance of religious practices. Understanding these sects offers valuable insights into the philosophical and theological diversity within Islamic thought.
By studying the Khārijīyah and its sub-sects, one gains a broader perspective on the evolution of Islamic theological debates and the historical context that shaped various beliefs and practices within the Muslim community.
