Murjiis
Definition and Overview
Murjiis were adherents to a theological school in early Islam that emerged in the 8th century as a counter-movement to the strict puritanism of the Kharijis. The Murjiis believed in postponing judgment on sinners and emphasized the aspects of promise, hope, and the respite granted by God rather than punishment and condemnation.
Etymology and Translation
The term “Murjiis” is derived from the Arabic root أرجأ (arjaʾa), which translates to “to postpone” or “to defer.”
- Arabic: المرجئة (Al-Murji’ah)
- Turkish: Murcîler
Core Beliefs
- Postponing Judgment: Murjiis believed that ultimate judgment of a believer, especially one guilty of grave sins, should be left to God alone and deferred until the Day of Judgment.
- God’s Mercy and Love: They emphasized God’s inherent goodness and mercy, and opposed the concept of eternal punishment for sinners.
- Intention in Faith: The sincerity of a believer’s intention was given primary importance over the outward appearance of their actions.
- Obedience to Authority: Murjiis maintained that a Muslim ruler should be obeyed, irrespective of his moral standing or policies, to maintain unity and prevent chaos within the Muslim community.
- Tolerance and Equality: The Murjiis preached tolerance towards all Muslims regardless of their origin, fostering a sense of equality and unity.
Historical Context
The Murjiis arose partly as a reaction to the extreme positions of the Kharijis, who condemned those committing significant sins to be outside the Islamic faith. By contrast, Murjiis advocated for a community underpinned by the hope of God’s forgiveness, aiming to maintain societal harmony and internal cohesion.
Key Principles
- Promise Over Threat: Concentration on God’s promise and hope over His retribution.
- Unity of the Ummah: Advocating for equality and fraternity amongst all Muslims.
- Merciful Theology: A theological perspective that reinforced the notion of God’s encompassing rahmah (mercy).
Influence and Legacy
The Murjiis’ influence is majorly reflected in later Islamic theological developments and provides an early narrative for the more extensive views of redemption and unified community conduct within mainstream Islam.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Formation of Islamic Theological Doctrines” by Marion Holmes Katz.
- “Early Islamic Theological Discourses” translated and introduced by Timur Atayev.
- “God’s Rule: Government and Islam” by Patricia Crone.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Murjiis contributed to the shaping of Islamic theological discourse by emphasizing divine mercy and advocating for postponement of human judgment. Their approach sought to provide a balance to the more punitive and extreme stances within early Islamic debates, primarily propagated by the Kharijis. Their principles continue to hold significance in discussions of faith, governance, and community within Muslims worldwide.
This entry on Murjiis highlights their vital theological stance and provides comprehensive contextual and historical understanding suitable for further exploration in Islamic studies.
