Written by: Abu Javed
Throughout history, the disbelievers of the East and West have consistently conspired to weaken Islam by creating and funding groups that operate under the guise of Islam. These groups are tasked with implementing distorted methodologies while claiming adherence to Islamic teachings.
Among such tactics, the organization recognized as Daesh (ISIS) is notable, being identified as Khawarij in accordance with the admonitions and predictions of Islam’s esteemed religion. They earned this label because they abandoned obedience to the Muslim leader and army, aiming to create challenges against unity and hinder the progress of the united Islamic front as per the directives of disbelievers.
While the adversaries of Islamic armies and systems are plentiful, this particular group is notably detrimental as they operate under the guise of Islam to achieve their impure objectives, inaccurately branding their aberrant practices as Islamic. Consequently, they ensnare some immature-minded or ignorant youth into their trap, indoctrinating them with false beliefs.
They follow in the footsteps of the Khawarij and rebels who, during the time of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, harbored rebellious flames in their hearts. One such individual was Dhul-Khuwaisirah al-Tamimi (also identified as Hurqus ibn Zuhair al-Sa’di, based on differing narrations), who said to the Prophet (pbuh):
“Be just, O Muhammad!”
While the Prophet PBUH said about himself:
“Who will act justly if I do not? Truly, I will fail and lose if I am not just.”
(Sahih Muslim).
This hadith provides clear evidence of the Prophet’s justice, a quality that cannot be undermined by any khārijī or rebel interpretation. Despite this, due to their adherence to materialism and lack of respect for the sanctity of Islam, they audaciously made such a statement while the Prophet was distributing the spoils of war and chose not to allocate them to this Khawarij member.
The modern-day Khawarij are the ideological offspring of Dhul-Khuwaisirah, drawing their thought and methodology from him. The Prophet (PBUH), over 14 centuries ago, said about them:
“They will leave Islam as an arrow leaves the bow. They will kill Muslims and spare idolaters. If I encounter them, I will kill them as the people of ‘Ad were killed.”
(Bukhari, Vol. 2, Hadith 7432; Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 4).
A Message to the Youth of the Ummah
Dear Muslims, beware of falling into the traps of Takfiri groups. It is essential to consciously avoid supporting such groups, whether knowingly or unknowingly, as they stand against the principles of the Islamic framework. Examine their deviant methodologies in the context of authentic hadith, and investigate their origins and the ideologies behind their formation. Analyze their sources carefully to uncover their objectives and the agendas they serve. Through such thoughtful evaluation, you can protect both yourself and the Ummah from their harmful influence.