Murjīyah, Murjiʾah (مرجية)
Etymology and Translations
Murjīyah (Arabic: مرجية, Turkish: Mürcie), derived from the Arabic root “ارجأ” (arja’a), meaning “to defer” or “to postpone.” Murjīyah are named as such for their belief in the deferment of judgment for sinful believers until the Day of Resurrection.
Definition and Significance
Murjīyah, also known as Murjiʾah, is an early Islamic sect that emphasized the postponement of judgments against Muslims who commit grievous sins. They believed that the final judgment for such individuals would be deferred to the Day of Resurrection, instead of being conducted in this life.
Core Beliefs
- Postponement of Judgment: One of the foundational beliefs of the Murjīyah is that judgment for a true believer guilty of serious sins should be left to Allah on the Day of Resurrection.
- Faith and Works: They advocate that faith (īmān) alone is sufficient for one’s salvation and that sinful acts cannot nullify one’s faith. Conversely, good deeds performed by a non-believer do not benefit an individual in the hereafter.
- Hope for Sinners: The Murjīyah maintained that even grievous sinners who profess Islamic faith could hope for divine mercy and forgiveness, reflecting their lenient and inclusive interpretation of faith and sin.
Historical Context and Influences
The Murjīyah emerged during the early centuries of Islam, especially in response to political and theological disputes surrounding the status of sinful Muslims and leadership in the community. They were notably distinct from the more stringent views of other contemporary Islamic movements like the Khārijīyahs.
Divisions and Sub-sects
Murjīyah can be divided into four primary classes:
- Murjīyahs aligned with Khārijīyahs: Share some theological perspectives with the Khārijites.
- Murjīyahs aligned with Qādirīyahs: Align with specific dogmas of the Qādirites.
- Murjīyahs aligned with Jabarīyahs: Share beliefs with the Jabarites.
- Pure Murjīyahs: Represent the central, unadulterated teachings of Murjīyah without influence from other sects. This last class is subdivided further into five sub-groups.
Notable Figures
- Mukātil: Postulated that disobedience does not harm a believer professing the unity of God and that such believers would eventually be saved from Hell.
- Bashar: Argued that sinners would not remain in Hell permanently but would be punished proportionately and eventually be granted entry into Paradise.
Books for Further Study
- Islamic Theology and Philosophy by William Montgomery Watt.
- Early Islamic Theological Thought by Michael Cook.
- The History of Islamic Theology: From Muhammad to the Present by Tilman Nagel.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Murjīyah introduced significant theological flexibility and inclusivity regarding faith and sin, proposing a merciful divine judgment deferred until the Day of Resurrection. Their beliefs underscored a focus on the inward intention of faith over outward actions and have had a lasting influence on Islamic theological discussions.
Understanding the Murjīyah helps underline the diversity of early Islamic thought and the ongoing debates over faith, repentance, and divine justice within the Muslim community. Their historical significance continues to inform contemporary Islamic theological discourse.
In conclusion, the Murjīyah’s belief in deferred judgment and the power of faith over deeds represents a key aspect of Islamic intellectual history, reflecting the breadth and depth of interpretations that have shaped Islam over the centuries.
