Part 4
Author: Ahmed Shakib
In continuation of the major sins committed by the Khawārij, the following transgressions further highlight the severity of their deviation from authentic Islamic teachings:
8. Killing of Protected Non-Muslims (Mu‘āhidīn and Ahl al-Amān) Living Under the Protection of the Islamic State
Islam commands unwavering adherence to covenants and the safeguarding of non-Muslims who are granted protection under Islamic governance. Treachery, particularly in matters of security and treaties, is regarded among the gravest of sins, as affirmed by both the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
Allah the Almighty says:
وَإِمَّا تَخَافَنَّ مِن قَوْمٍ خِيَانَةً فَانبِذْ إِلَيْهِمْ عَلَىٰ سَوَاءٍ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْخَائِنِينَ
If you [have reason to] fear from a people betrayal, throw [their treaty] back to them, [putting you] on equal terms. Indeed, Allah does not like traitors.
(Surah al-Anfāl, 8:58)
Likewise, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“من قتل معاهَدًا لم يرح رائحة الجنة، وإن ريحها ليوجد من مسيرة أربعين عامًا”
“Whoever kills a mu‘āhad (a non-Muslim who is granted the pledge of protection by the Muslims) shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance can be smelt at a distance of forty years.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Despite these unequivocal injunctions, the Khawārij persistently violate such covenants. In flagrant opposition to divine commandments and Prophetic teachings, they target non-Muslims who have been granted amān (protection) or are party to treaties. These heinous acts not only constitute major sins but are deliberate attempts to defame and undermine the image of the Islamic system. Numerous such incidents have been carried out by Kharijite factions, particularly the Daesh-e-Khawārij, in Afghanistan and other regions.
9. Incitement of Fitnah (Strife and Discord)
The Qur’an sternly warns against provoking fitnah, which does not affect the wrongdoers alone but engulfs entire communities. Instigating chaos and rebellion has always been a distinguishing trait of the Khawārij.
Allah, the Most High, says:
ٱتَّقُوا۟ فِتْنَةًۭ لَّا تُصِيبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ مِنكُمْ خَآصَّةًۭ ۖ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ
“And fear a trial (fitnah) which will not strike only those among you who have done wrong, and know that Allah is severe in punishment.”
(Surah al-Anfāl, 8:25)
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“الفتنة نائمة، لعن الله من أيقظها”(رواه الطبراني)
Translation:
“Fitnah is asleep; may the curse of Allah be upon the one who awakens it.” (Narrated by al-Ṭabarānī)
Nevertheless, the Khawārij actively incite discord within the Muslim Ummah, orchestrating armed rebellions, provoking uprisings, and launching attacks against Islamic states—all under false pretenses. Their actions plunge societies into instability and chaos in pursuit of their misguided objectives.
10. Disseminating Division and Fracturing the Ummah
Unity is one of the central principles in Islam. The Qur’an consistently enjoins Muslims to remain united, uphold brotherhood, and avoid division.
Allah, the Exalted, says:
إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌۭ فَأَصْلِحُوا۟ بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ
“The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers.”
(Surah al-Ḥujurāt, 49:10)
And:
“وَاعْتَصِمُواْ بِحَبْلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًۭا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُواْ”
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned:
“لا ترجعوا بعدي كفارًا يضرب بعضكم رقاب بعض”
“Do not revert to disbelief after me by striking the necks of one another.”
(Related by al-Bukhārī and Muslim)
Yet, the Khawārij stand in stark contrast to these teachings. They deliberately fracture Muslim unity, foster internal divisions, and indiscriminately declare other Muslims as disbelievers. Through their inflammatory rhetoric and extremist actions, they severely undermine the solidarity of the Ummah and pave the way for enmity and civil strife.
