Part 2
Written by: Rashid Shafiq
In the preceding section, the discussion centered on the definition and appellations of the Khawarij. In this section, a few additional names associated with this group will be mentioned:
2. Al-Haruriyya:
This name is linked to a faction that separated from Hazrat Ali’s (RA) army and settled in an area adjacent to Kufa known as Harura. The group adopted the title Al-Haruriyya in reference to this geographical location. Imam Ash’ari (RA), in his book Maqalat al-Ash‘ari, articulates that they were known as Al-Haruriyyah due to their initial settlement in Harura.
3. Ash-Shurat:
Allama Ash’ari (RA) explains that the Khawarij chose this name for themselves because, in their view, they sold themselves in obedience to Allah Almighty, meaning they sold themselves in exchange for Paradise.
4. Al-Mariqah:
This name was given to them due to their separation from Hazrat Ali’s (RA) army. In his book Al-Milal wa al-Nihal, Al-Shahrastani states that they are the same Mariqah who gathered at Nahrawan.
5. Al-Muhakkimah:
This title was ascribed to them when they rejected arbitration (Tahkim) and declared, “lā ḥukma illā li-llāh” (“no judgment (hukm) except God’s”), as cited in “Maqalat al-Islamiyyin.”
These are the designations and titles of the Khawarij. They embrace all of these labels except for Al-Mariqah, which they reject. Imam Abu al-Hasan Ash’ari (RA) states: “They accept all these titles but refuse the designation of Al-Mariqah as they do not perceive themselves as having deviated from the religion.”
The Origin and Emergence of the Khawarij
When did the Khawarij emerge?
Scholars vary in their perspectives regarding the origins of the Khawarij. Several noteworthy viewpoints are as follows:
First Opinion:
Some scholars believe that the first person of the Kharijites was Dhul-Khuwaysirah or Abdullah ibn Dhul-Khuwaysirah al-Tamimi. He objected to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s distribution of war spoils and criticized his sense of justice.
A hadith mentioned in Sahih Bukhari recounts the following:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was distributing a portion when Dhul-Khuwaysirah said, “O Messenger of Allah, be just!” The Prophet replied, “Woe unto you! If I am not just, who will be?”
Umar (RA) wanted to kill him, but the Prophet (PBUH) did not permit it and said: “Leave him, for from his progeny will come people whose prayers and fasting will make yours seem insignificant, but they will depart from the religion as an arrow passes through its target.”
Based on this hadith, some scholars believe that Dhul-Khuwaysirah was the first founder of the Khawarij, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not allow his killing to soften people’s hearts.
Second Opinion:
Qadhi Ali ibn Abi al-Izz al-Hanafi al-Dimashqi (RA) writes in Sharh al-Aqeedah al-Tahawiyyah that the Khawarij emerged during the first fitnah against Hazrat Uthman (RA), which eventually led to his martyrdom.
Third Opinion:
Third Opinion: The Khawarij first emerged when they separated from the army of Ali (RA) and rebelled against him. This opinion is widely accepted among scholars. Imam Ash’ari (RA) describes the history of the Khawarij, stating that they revolted against Ali (RA) and said: “They are called Khawarij because they rose up against Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA).”
Consequently, the term Khawarij became closely associated with those who opposed Hazrat Ali (RA) to the extent that it was not used for anyone else.
