Part 3
By Ghiyath al-Din Ghori
Throughout Islamic history, research and experience alike have shown that the Khawarij have remained a recurring menace to the unity and stability of the Muslim Ummah. From the earliest days of Islam until today, whenever circumstances have allowed, they have risen with renewed vigor, pursuing their false doctrines and destructive aims, much to the delight of the enemies of Islam.
In the early period of Islam, they openly rebelled against the Amir al-Mu’minin, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), tearing apart the unity of the Muslim community and spilling the blood of countless believers.
The noble Companions, especially the Rightly Guided Caliphs (may Allah be pleased with them all), were marked by extraordinary mercy, compassion, and devotion to the welfare of the Ummah. Even when faced with rebellion and corruption, they continued to invite their opponents to truth and reform, sparing no effort to guide them back. Only when all arguments had been exhausted, and the divine proof was fully established, did they rise in defense of the truth with righteous resolve. They were, in every sense, the living reflection of the Qur’anic verse:
“Firm against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves.” (Qur’an 48:29)
When we turn from the pages of early history to the present day, the likeness between the Khawarij of the past and their modern heirs is striking. Like their forebears, today’s extremists clothe their misguidance in the language of piety, quoting verses and traditions to justify their excesses. Yet, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) foretold, their words never pass beyond their throats; they fail to touch the heart or reflect true understanding. The result is the same as before: division, hatred, and rivers of Muslim blood.
Blinded by their fanaticism, these groups have gone so far as to cast disbelief upon some of the greatest personalities of this Ummah, even among the Ashara Mubashara, the ten Companions promised Paradise, and to consider their blood lawful. To them, pronouncing takfir and shedding Muslim blood has become as effortless as drinking water, while the sanctity, security, and unity of the Ummah carry no meaning in their eyes.
Their deviation stems from a reckless approach to the Qur’an itself. They twist the meanings of mutashabihat, the ambiguous verses, based on shallow reasoning and personal whims, instead of turning to the explanations of the rightly guided scholars, the heirs of prophetic knowledge. For this reason, not a single Companion, no matter how humble, ever supported their path or shared their interpretations.
Lacking sound evidence, they constructed a faith built on arrogance and delusion. Their self-righteousness, contempt for scholars, and defiance of the collective wisdom of the Ummah dragged them into ruin. In the end, they perished in both worlds, losing not only their faith but their dignity as well.
To those deceived by the empty slogans of this misguided faction, and who imagine that violence and extremism will advance the cause of Islam, a word of sincere counsel must be given: Do not destroy yourselves. Do not invite disgrace in this life and punishment in the next. The lessons of history are before you; learn from them. Embrace moderation, seek wisdom, and follow the path illuminated by knowledge, mercy, and balance.
