Written by: Muhammad Afghan
Substantial variances exist between the historical Khawārij and Modern-Day Khawarij (or contemporary extremist groups) in terms of chronology, objectives, strategies, and conduct. These distinctions are delineated as follows:
1. Foundations and Ideology
– Historical Khawārij: They were the first political and religious dissenters in Islam, separating from the caliphate of Ali (RA). They adhered to rigid principles and believed that a Muslim committing a major sin became a disbeliever.
– Modern Extremist Groups: Groups like ISIS adopt similar extremist ideologies, including takfir (excommunication). However, their application of takfir is far broader, often labeling anyone who disagrees with their ideology or methods as an apostate or unbeliever.
2. Objectives
– Historical Khawārij: Their primary aim was to “purify” the Islamic caliphate and establish rule over what they considered “righteous Muslims.” Their struggle was largely against the existing rulers of their time.
– Modern-Day-Khawarij: Their political objectives are global. They seek to impose their deviant ideology on both Muslims and non-Muslims through coercion. Their strategies are aggressive, including suicide attacks, harming civilians, and forming global terrorist networks.
3. Tactics and Technology
– Historical Khawārij: Their warfare relied on the weapons and methods available at the time, such as swords and spears.
– Modern-Day Khawarij: They use advanced weaponry, technology, social media, and suicide bombings. They exploit the internet for spreading extremism, recruiting followers, and promoting their propaganda. Their methods include suicide attacks, bombings, and other tactics violating the principles of warfare.
4. Targets of Violence
– Historical Khawārij: They fought primarily against those who opposed their strict beliefs, focusing on specific individuals or groups.
– Modern-Day Khawarij: Their approach is indiscriminate, targeting civilians regardless of whether they are combatants. They justify the killing of innocents and use terror to instill fear widely.
5. Interpretation of Religious Texts
– Historical Khawārij: They interpreted Islamic texts literally without delving into deeper meanings.
– Modern Khawarij: While they also interpret texts literally, they go further by distorting them to align with their political and military objectives. They selectively cite verses or hadiths that support their extremism while ignoring those that emphasize mercy and justice.
6. Takfir Practices
– Historical Khawārij: Their takfir was largely restricted to those who explicitly opposed their religious principles.
– Modern Khawarij: They label both Muslims and non-Muslims as enemies, considering only their followers as “true Muslims.” They even fight groups with similar extremist ideologies but slightly less rigid views.
7. Propagation of Ideology
– Historical Khawārij: Their preaching was limited to public sermons and religious gatherings.
– Modern Khawarij: They exploit the internet, social media, and various propaganda tools to disseminate their ideology globally. They aim to manipulate public opinion and recruit individuals into their ranks.
Conclusion
Both historical and modern Khawarij are fundamentally extremist groups. However, modern Khawarij are far more dangerous due to their use of technology, extensive propaganda, and global connections. This makes them more harmful compared to their predecessors.
