Author: Jawad Ahmad
After the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), Umar bin Abdul Aziz (may Allah have mercy on him) is considered unmatched in justice, kindness, compassion, morals, and the establishment of Allah’s sacred and complete religion.
Numerous volumes have been written regarding the justice and caliphate of Umar bin Abdul Aziz. No one has ever criticized his governance, and apart from the Rightly Guided Caliphs and Mu’awiyah (may Allah be pleased with them), he stands as a unique caliph in the history of Islam.
Throughout his caliphate, remnants of the Kharijite group, which had originated during the eras of Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) and Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), were still active. These factions had rebelled against the Islamic caliphate at various times throughout Islamic history.
Initially, Umar bin Abdul Aziz implemented a policy of leniency and good conduct towards them in an effort to guide them in accordance with Islamic teachings.
As a consequence of his invitation and endeavors, many Kharijites were influenced by his justice, piety, and gentle approach to renounce violence, embrace Islamic values, and forsake their radical deeds. Nonetheless, a substantial faction of Kharijites and extremist groups of the time persisted in harboring animosity and enmity towards Umar bin Abdul Aziz.
Instead of being guided by his justice, compassion, and kindness, they shamelessly persisted in propagating their erroneous beliefs. In multiple regions, they considered his reforms a threat to their influence, authority, and power.
As Umar bin Abdul Aziz sought to administer with fairness and unity, the Kharijites interpreted it as a threat to their dominance. In certain regions, they incited uprisings, labeling any supporter of Umar bin Abdul Aziz as a non-believer. During these insurrections, they unjustly spilled the blood of numerous Muslims.
Despite this, Umar bin Abdul Aziz persistently invited them to embrace the path of Islam. Nonetheless, the Kharijites remained steadfast in their extremist standpoint. Ultimately, the Amir al-Mu’minin issued a mandate to eradicate them, tasking the military commander Ibn Hatim with ensuring none survived.
Ibn Hatim executed the decree of the caliph, and through his Islamic army, eradicated them so thoroughly that the Kharijites never re-emerged in those areas.
Despite Umar bin Abdul Aziz’s extensive endeavors towards justice, reforms, and societal well-being, the Kharijites revolted against him due to their entrenched beliefs and historical conflicts with the Umayyad Caliphate.
