Lecture on the Khawarij and Innovation

Introduction

• Focus on the military history and beliefs of the Khawarij.
• Objective: Not to label individuals/groups, but to provide a biography and discuss their beliefs and characteristics.
• Structure: Four-part lecture:
  • Introduction
  • Definition of Khawarij
  • Biography and story of their emergence
  • Characteristics of the Khawarij

Importance of Discussing Innovation

• Clarifying the situation about the people of innovation is necessary.
• Ibn Taymiyyah's position: Exposing innovators is mandatory for protecting the Ummah.
• Imam Ahmad's perspective: Discussing innovators benefits the Muslim community more than personal acts of worship.
• Importance of maintaining the purity of Islamic knowledge and practice.

Definition of Khawarij

• Loose terminology; must understand the correct definition.
• According to Ibn Taymiyyah: Innovators often redefine Sharia terms linguistically, leading to misguidance.
• Al-Barbahari’s definition: Anyone who revolts against a Muslim ruler.
• Characteristics: Breakers of unity, their death is like that of the pre-Islamic era.

Characteristics of the Khawarij

• Notable for excessive worship and memorization of the Quran.
• Ibn Abbas’s observations: Black knees and foreheads from prayer.
• Appear strict in acts of worship but lack understanding.
• Continuously re-emerge through history, followers of Dajjal.

Historical Context

• Origin: First sect in Islam, emerged during the Prophet’s time.
• Key Hadiths:
  • Narrations about their characteristics and supposed piety.
  • Described as extreme in religion but superficial in understanding.

Key Incidents

• During the Prophet’s time: Criticism of his distribution of spoils.
• At Hunayn: Accusation of unfairness by a Khawarij man.
• Ali’s Time: Revolt and assassination plot by Khawarij.

Conclusion

• The Khawarij represent a significant early deviation in Islamic history.
• Importance of understanding and recognizing their characteristics to safeguard Islamic teachings.
• Ongoing relevance due to their persistence through history.