Author: Ahmad Jawad
The Khawarij maintained intense opposition and hostility towards the Umayyads. Beginning from the era of Muawiyah (RA) until the conclusion of the Umayyad Caliphate, they presented numerous challenges for Muslims throughout different periods.
During the reign of Abdul Malik ibn Marwan, the Khawarij were notably active and influential in the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen, Iraq, and Sham (Greater Syria). Driven by their extremist ideology, they led astray various groups of people. They not only advocated for their own methodology but also denied the legitimacy of Umayyad rule and the caliphate.
After the death of Muawiyah (RA), the caliphate was passed on to Yazid ibn Muawiyah. Simultaneously, numerous distinguished Companions (Sahabah), along with the majority of the populace, refused to pledge loyalty to him.
Among them was Abdullah ibn Zubair (RA), who rejected Yazid’s authority and declared an independent caliphate. When Abdullah ibn Zubair (RA) declared his claim to the caliphate against Yazid ibn Muawiyah, certain leaders of the Khawarij approached him and said that if he accepted their beliefs, they would fully support him against the Umayyads.
The Khawarij harbored enmity toward Uthman (RA), Ali (RA), Talha (RA), and Zubair (RA) due to their prior grievances. Specifically, they held a grudge against Ali (RA) because he had killed nearly 4,000 of their associates during the Battle of Nahrawan after they rebelled with the motto “There is no judgment except that of Allah” in response to the peace treaty between Ali (RA) and Muawiyah (RA).
The Khawarij who approached Abdullah ibn Zubair (RA) were remnants of the same faction, concealed in the vicinity. They were now looking to exploit Abdullah ibn Zubair (RA) for their personal agenda of inciting turmoil among Muslims.
When Abdullah ibn Zubair (RA) was asked about his opinion regarding these noble Companions (RA), he surprised the Khawarij by highly praising all four of them. In a lengthy speech, he strongly refuted the beliefs of the Khawarij.
Disheartened and frustrated by Abdullah ibn Zubair’s (RA) stance, the Khawarij declared him their enemy and returned to their regions, continuing their rebellions. Eventually, they were severely suppressed by commanders such as Mus’ab ibn Zubair, Al-Muhallab, and Al-Hajjaj in various regions. This decisive action safeguarded the caliphate of Abdul Malik ibn Marwan from their mischief and sedition.
