Part 4
Written by: Rashid Shafiq
Dialogue between Hazrat ʿAlī (RA) and the Khawārij at Nahrawan:
Several discussions occurred between Hazrat ʿAlī (RA) and the Khawārij at Nahrawan. When Hazrat ʿAlī inquired about the reasons behind their rebellion, the Khawārij responded with the following points:
1. Why were women and children not distributed as war booty in the Battle of Jamal (camel), whereas the wealth was distributed?
2. In the truce with Muʿāwiya (RA) at Siffin, why was the title “Amir al-Mu’minin” omitted, and why was obedience shown to him?
3. Hazrat ʿAlī’s statement to the arbitrators: “If I am worthy of the caliphate, then establish my right,” which, according to them, indicated doubt about his legitimacy as a caliph.
4. Why did he consent to arbitration over something that was already his right?
Hazrat ʿAlī (RA) addressed these objections and refuted each doubt:
Regarding the first objection, he clarified that the wealth taken by Talha and Zubair from Basra’s public treasury was minimal, and the women and children had not participated in the battle and were Muslims living under Islamic rule.
In response to the second objection, he stated that it was similar to the Treaty of al-Hudaybiya made by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He said, “The Prophet (PBUH) had told me that one day I would undertake a similar action with them.”
Addressing the third objection about the selection of arbitrators, he clarified that appointing arbitrators was solely for the sake of justice and referenced the incident of Mubahala with the delegation of Najrān during the Prophet’s time.
Regarding the fourth objection, he pointed out that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) appointed Saʿd ibn Muʿādh as an arbitrator for the Banu Qurayza tribe, even though the right rested with the Prophet himself.
Causes of the Rebellion of the Khawārij:
The reasons for the Khawārij’s rebellion can be summarized as follows:
1. Dispute over the Caliphate:
This is considered the primary reason for their rebellion. The Khawārij held a strict and extremist view regarding leadership, believing that the existing leaders were unworthy of the caliphate as they did not meet the stringent criteria set by the Khawārij. They perceived the conflict between Hazrat ʿAlī and Muʿāwiya (may Allah be pleased with them) as a dispute over leadership, which encouraged them to rebel against both.
2. The Issue of Arbitration:
The Khawārij compelled Hazrat ʿAlī (may Allah be pleased with him) to accept arbitration. After it took place, they demanded that he renounce the decision and re-embrace Islam, to which Hazrat Ali responded firmly.
3. Oppression by Leaders and Spread of Vices:
In their sermons and speeches, the Khawārij claimed that the leaders were oppressive and that vices had become widespread. However, in reality, they committed far greater injustices and immoral acts during their rebellion.
4. Economic Factors:
This included incidents such as the Incident of Dhul-Khuwaysirah with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and their enmity toward Hazrat ʿUthmān (RA). After Hazrat ʿUthmān’s martyrdom, they continued looting the public treasury and opposing Hazrat ʿAlī (RA) on the battlefield.
