Author: Ahmad Rouhi Humaid
If we study the history of Islam carefully, the roots and details of the Kharijites will become evident. Their rebellions, uprisings, turmoil, and resistance against the Muslims can all be clearly identified.
From the end of the Rashidun Caliphate to the beginning of the Ottoman Caliphate, this poisonous plant emerged at various stages and periods under different names, particularly during the Umayyad Caliphate.
During the reign of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, Muslims were deeply entangled in severe internal disputes and conflicts, to the extent that these internal rebellions led to the martyrdom of Abdullah ibn Zubayr (RA). Taking advantage of these divisions, the Kharijites resumed their uprisings in Iraq, consistent with their old practices.
Initially, Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf managed to quell these rebellions to some extent. However, when Abd al-Rahman ibn al-Ash‘ath was sent to Kabul by Abdullah to ensure that the local ruler, Rutbil, fulfilled his obligations of governance and payment of jizyah, Ibn al-Ash‘ath failed to accomplish his mission. Instead, upon his return, he attacked Basra and Kufa and, with the support of the Kharijites and some other groups, forced the people there to pledge allegiance to him.
To quell this insurgency, Al-Hajjaj retreated temporarily. Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan sent additional forces to support him, and in 83 AH, the two armies confronted each other at the region of Dayr al-Jamajim, where a battle ensued.
This battle lasted for nearly one hundred days. Ultimately, under the leadership of Al-Hajjaj, the Umayyads emerged victorious, and Ibn al-Ash’ath was defeated. Following his defeat, Ibn al-Ash‘ath fled to Kabul, seeking refuge under the protection of Rutbil.
Al-Hajjaj wrote a letter to Rutbil, demanding the immediate extradition of Ibn al-Ash‘ath. Since Al-Hajjaj was known for his Heroism and most of the region feared his hostility, Rutbil beheaded Ibn al-Ash’ath and sent his head to Al-Hajjaj in a sack. Thus, Abd al-Malik succeeded in safeguarding his caliphate and shielding it from the rebellion of Ibn al-Ash’ath.
