The Khawarij: Masters of Takfir, Perpetrators of Major Sins | Part 2 |

Part 2

Author: Ahmed Shakib

The Khawarij, historically notorious for their claims of takfir (excommunication), are paradoxically themselves entangled in the commission of major sins. This section discusses several grievous sins in which the Khawarij are deeply involved in:

2. Lying (Al-Kadhib)

Lying is one of the gravest sins in Islam. Its severe consequences are explicitly mentioned in both the Holy Qur’an and the noble Hadiths. Muslims are commanded to associate with those who are truthful and to avoid liars.

Allah, Glorified and Exalted, says:

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ”

“O you who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are truthful.”
(Qur’an 9:119)

Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states:

“إن الکذب يهدی إلى الفجور، وإن الفجور يهدی إلى النار.”

“Indeed, lying leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Fire.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)

Despite these clear warnings, the Khawarij, in their pursuit of spreading extremist ideologies, frequently engage in lies. They distort Islamic texts, conceal truths, and resort to deception in order to achieve their misguided objectives. To advance their malicious agendas, they mislead ordinary Muslims, manipulating their minds through deliberate falsehoods.

3. Betrayal and Treachery (Al-Ghadr wa Al-Khiyanah)

Another major sin the Khawarij are guilty of is betrayal and treachery. Treachery is not only a personal vice but a societal poison that destroys the foundations of trust and communal cohesion.

Allah the Almighty declares:

“إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْخَائِنِينَ” (الأنفال: ۵۸)

“Indeed, Allah does not like those who betray.” (Qur’an 58)

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“إذا اؤتمن خان” (بخاري و مسلم)

“The sign of a hypocrite is that when he is entrusted, he betrays.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)

Under the guise of Islam, the Khawarij wage war against Muslims and Islam itself. They make covenants with fellow Muslims only to betray them, killing innocent and unsuspecting people. This brazen treachery stands in direct opposition to the ethical and legal framework established by Islam for safeguarding trust and loyalty within the Ummah.

4. Pleasing the Enemies of Islam

Pleasing the enemies of Islam and expressing joy at the misfortunes of Muslims is a prohibited and dangerous act under Shari’ah. The Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah strictly forbid such behavior.

Allah, the Exalted, states:

“إِن تَمْسَسْكُمْ حَسَنَةٌ تَسُؤْهُمْ ۖ وَإِن تُصِبْكُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ يَفْرَحُوا بِهَا” (آل عمران: ۱۲۰)

“If good touches you, it grieves them, but if a calamity strikes you, they rejoice at it.”
(Qur’an 3:120)

This verse clearly illustrates that the enemies of Islam take pleasure in the failures, divisions, and sufferings of the Muslim Ummah. Consequently, any action that leads to their rejoicing is an act that stands against the principles of Islam.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further warned:

“لا تُظْهِرِ الشَّمَاتَةَ لأخِيكَ، فَيَرْحَمَهُ اللَّهُ وَيَبْتَلِيكَ” (ترمذي، حدیث حسن)

“Do not rejoice over the misfortune of your brother, lest Allah have mercy on him and afflict you (with a trial).” Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2506

How Do the Khawarij Cause the Enemies to Rejoice?

The Khawarij ignite internal conflicts among Muslims, tarnish the reputation of Islam, and carry out attacks targeting mosques, markets, schools, and civilians. Their heinous actions not only devastate Muslim societies but also provide disbelievers with propaganda material to malign Islam as a so-called “religion of terrorism.”

Thus, when Muslims are harmed at the hands of the Khawarij, the enemies of Islam rejoice, witnessing Muslims destroy themselves through internal strife. This phenomenon, known as Farah Al-A’daa (pleasing the enemies), is not only a betrayal of the Ummah but is categorically forbidden in Islam.