Khawarij (Kharijites)

Deviant

الخوارج

Overview

The first major deviant sect in Islamic history, emerging in 657 CE (37 AH) after the Battle of Siffin. They rejected the arbitration between Ali ibn Abi Talib and Muawiyah, declaring that judgment belongs to Allah alone (la hukma illa lillah). They held that Muslims who commit major sins become kafir and are to be killed, and they rebelled against the Muslim rulers of their time. The Prophet ﷺ described them as 'dogs of the Fire' who would recite the Quran without it passing their throats.

Key Beliefs

Takfir of Muslims who commit major sins — declaring them disbelievers
Armed rebellion against Muslim rulers is obligatory when they sin
Rejection of the legitimacy of both Ali and Muawiyah after the arbitration
Extreme literalism without understanding the broader principles of the Sunnah

Scholarly Evaluation

Universally condemned by Ahl us-Sunnah as a deviant sect. The Prophet ﷺ described them in multiple authentic hadiths as 'dogs of the Fire' (Sunan Ibn Majah, 173) and 'the worst of creation' (Sahih Muslim, 1066). Their most distinctive characteristic — takfir of Muslims and killing them — is identified as their primary error by Ahl us-Sunnah. Modern groups that apply this methodology (declaring Muslim rulers or ordinary Muslims kafir for their actions and taking up arms) are considered neo-Khawarij.

Key Figures

Abdullah ibn Wahhab al-Rasibi (first Kharijite leader)
Dhul-Khuwaysira al-Tamimi (earliest Kharijite tendency, rebuked by the Prophet ﷺ)

Sources

Sahih Muslim 1066 (Khawarij description)
Sunan Ibn Majah 173
Al-Farq bayn al-Firaq (al-Baghdadi)
Majmu' al-Fatawa (Ibn Taymiyyah)

Founded

37h (657 CE)