CARTA A CARLOS FRIEDRICH ADOLPH SORGE

for in their killing you would get a reward with Allah on the Day of Judgment.” (Muslim; al-

Bidaya wa‟n-Nihaya; Fathu‟l-Bari)

i- Some of Their Attributes and Characteristics

They are young in age. RasulAllah (saw) said: “young in age” (Bukhari; Muslim) ‘Young in age’ here means youth who have not matured and who have not learned enough to learn the truth. (Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim, 12/283; Ibn Hajar, Fathu’l-Bari, 12/78) Ibnul Athar stated: “Young in age: an indirect expression referring to youth and those in their early years.” (an-Nihayah 1/351) RasulAllah (saw) said: “the blessing with your elders.” Al-Manawi said in Faydul-Qadeer “the blessing with your elders who have experience in the affairs and who have preserved many rewards. So sit with them so that you may follow their views and be guided by their guidance.” (3/220)

They have foolish minds – i.e. intellects. RasulAllah (saw) said: “imbecilic in understanding” (Bukhari; Muslim) And ‘imbecilic in understanding’ here means foolish, ignorant and not having enough intellect. (Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim, 12/283; Ibn Hajar, Fathu’l-Bari, 12/78) Ibnul Athar said: “imbecilic in understanding (sufahaul ahlam) The meaning of ahlam is understanding and intellect and as-sufh is (being) thoughtless and reckless.” (an-Nihayah, 1/434; 2/376)

They have a weakness when it comes to understanding the Religion of Allah. This is why it has been reported that “They recite the Qur’an but it does not surpass…” (Muslim) Narrated from Abu Sa’ed al- Khudri (ra) that RasulAllah (saw) said: “…or go past their throats.” (Bukhari) In one narration which is narrated from Abu sa’ed al-Khudri (ra), it states: “…their pharynx's (hulooq).” (Muslim) In another narration, it states: Narrated from Abu Dharr (ra) “…their pharynx's (halaaqeehim).” (Muslim) In another narration from Sahl b Hanif, it states: “…their collar bones (taraaqeehim).” (Bukhari) In another

narration from Abu Bakrah, it states: “They will make their tongues eloquent with the Qur’an.” (Ibn Abi Asim, As-Sunnah) In another narration from Sahl bin Hanif, it states: “They will recite the Qur’an with their tongues but it will not go past their collar bones.” (Muslim) In another narration from Ali ibn Talib

(ra): “They will hold it (i.e. the recitation) to be for them, when it is against them.” (Ibn Abi Asim, As- Sunnah) In another narration from Ali Ibn Talib (ra), it states: “They will think…” instead of “They will hold…” (Muslim) In one narration from Abu Zaid Al-Ansari, RasulAllah (saw) said: “They will call to the Book of Allah, but they will have nothing to do with Allah.” (Ibn Abi Asim, As-Sunnah) In another narration of the hadith, the Khawaarij and what they undergo when reciting the Qur’an was mentioned to Ibn Abbas (ra), so he said: “They are not as extreme in their striving as the Jews and the Christians were, but yet they went astray.” (Shari’ah, 27-28) And in another narration, Ibn Abbas (ra) said: “They believe in His clear verses, but go astray concerning His unclear verses. No one knows their hidden meanings except Allah. And as for those firmly rooted in knowledge, they say: ‘We believe in it.’” And he said: “They are in a confused and drunken state. They are neither Jews nor Christians nor Magians, so that they may be excused.” (Shari’ah, 28)

RasulAllah (saw) said: “Their sign is a black man; one of his arm is like the breast of a woman, or like a piece of meat tadardar (moving loosely). (Ibn Hajar Fathul Bari, 12/308) And they will come about at a division amongst the Muslims. (Bukhari; Muslim) And there has occurred from Zayd ibn Wahb al-Juhayni that he was in the army which came along with Ali (ra) to the Khawaarij. So Ali (ra) said: O people! I heard RasulAllah (saw) saying: ‘A people will come out of my ummah reciting the Qur’an. Your recitation is nothing when compared to their recitation, your prayer is nothing when compared to their prayers and your fast is nothing when compared to their fast. They will recite the Qur’an thinking that is in their favour, yet it will be against them, it will not pass beyond their throats (the bone which is between the shoulder and the neck). (Fathul Bari, 12/293) The battle between Ali and Khawaarij was fast and fierce, but in the end, as truth ultimately must prevail over the dark oppression of falsehood, the Khawaarij were defeated. As Ali was surveying the bodies of the dead, he was looking for some sign that he had killed the very Khawaarij that RasulAllah (saw) had made mention of in the hadith. Ali (ra) was looking for the man that RasulAllah (saw) had said that his hand would look likes a small breast. When he was found, Ali (ra) exclaimed, “Allahu Akbar -thrice. I have been utilised to fulfill the prophecy and you all know the hadith.”

Their distinguishing attribute is that they shave their heads. It is narrated from Abu Sa’ed al-Khudri (Muslim) in another narration of the hadith from Anas b Malik, it states: “At-Tasbeet.” (Muslim) The word ‘Tasbeet’ which is mentioned in the hadith is: Removing the short hair. In a sahih hadith which is recorded by Muslim and narrated from Abi Asim that RasulAllah (saw) described them saying they would be called as at-tahalluq. Imam Nawawi in the sharh of Muslim said: “And the intended meaning of at-tahalluq is shaving the heads. And some of the people used this as a proof for dislike (makruh) of shaving the head but there is no proof for that in this. It is only one of their signs and a sign can be something unlawful or it can be something lawful.” (7/167) Narrated Abu Sa'ed al-Khudri and Anas ibn Malik (ra) that RasulAllah (saw) said: “Soon there will appear disagreement and dissension in my people; there will be people who will be good in speech and bad in work. They recite the Qur'an, but it does not pass their collar-bones. They will swerve from the religion as an arrow goes through the animal shot at. They will not return to it till the arrow comes back to its notch. They are worst of the people and animals. Happy is the one who kills them and they kill him. They call to the book of Allah, but they have nothing to do with it. He who fights against them will be nearer to Allah than them (the rest of the

people). The people asked: What is their sign? He replied: They shave the head.” (Abu Dawud with sahih isnad.) In the matn of hadith both the words ‘tahliq’ and ‘tasbeet’ were used. These two words are very close in regards to their meaning. ‘Tasbeet’ is having hair cut and shaving the hair. It is also said that it means not oiling/greasing the hair or not cleaning/washing the hair.

In a hadith which is narrated from Sharik b Shihab by Nasai, it is related that Abu Barza (ra) described the man who accused RasulAllah (saw) as “matmumush sha'r” (the one who has long and thick hair) and Ibnul Athar explained the word ‘matmumush sha'r’ which is mentioned in the hadith as: "The one with a lot of hair, the one with hair that covers the head”. Here the expression “sha'r: hair” could mean the hair on the face, the beard. Meaning with the expression a man with a thick beard and shaved head could have been meant. Another hadith which is narrated from Amir bin Wasila by Tabarani also confirms the same meaning. The mentioned individual is a Khawaarij who had not shaved the hair on his head. What is understood from the narrations is that they shaved the hair on their heads in the later era. This has become a principal for all the Khawaarij. However the only thing that distinguishes the Khawaarij is not only shaving their heads. RasulAllah (saw) had shaved the hair on his head also and some among the sahabah. Some salih among the ummah had continuously shaved their heads also. For this reason the mentioned hadith here does not carry a meaning that it is restricted to shave the heads. Therefore there is a possibility that the word tasbeet mentioned in the nass regarding this matter referred to the

Khawaarij who rise after the first generation of Khawaarij whose distinguishing feature is that they shave their beards. There is a possibility that there are Khawaarij who rise in some eras which shave their beards and cut their hair. In the sharee'ah there is no restriction in cutting the hair and keeping the beard long so in this sense the hadith in which they are mentioned in would point out that they are a part of a group which performs the evil of shaving their beards. In the sharee'ah it is only the shaving of the beard which is restricted. Because we have not come across an expression that it is in this meaning and because there are narrations restriction of shaving the beard we could say that this is a great possibility. Due to the fact that fear and its like is not an excuse those who carry the Islamic belief should not take the matter of shaving the beard lightly.

They (the Khawaarij) are the first ones who split away from the unified body of Muslims and declared them to be disbelievers due to (their committing of) sins. This description of Khawaarij is made by Shaikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. (Majmoo-ul-Fatawa 3/349 and 7/279) They are from those in whose hearts is a deviation. It is narrated from Abu Umamah (ra) that the ones who are intended by the following verses were the Khawaarij: “But as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation, they follow what is unclear thereof…” (Ale Imran 3/7) and His saying: “On the Day when some faces will be

brightened and some faces will be darkened…” (Ale Imran 3/106). (Ahmad)

They declare a Muslim to be a disbeliever due to every sin. They say: “They leave the fold of iman and enter into disbelief.” (Sharh al-Aqidah at-Tahawiyyah, 298) They hold that the Muslims who commit major sins will reside eternally in the Hellfire. This is also recorded in the Sharh al-Aqidah at-Tahawiyyah (360) they say: “Every sin that a person commits makes him a disbeliever, since he is ignorant of Allah. This is done by the Makramiyyah al-Munshaqqah from the Tha’alabiyyah; one of the sects of the Khawaarij. They are the worst of people in deriving rules based on analogy. This is also in al-Milal wan-

Nihal (1/116)

They deem the subjects disbelievers if their leader commits disbelief. This is done by the Baihasiyyah; one of the sects of the Khawaarij. (al-Milal wan-Nihal (1/126) They declare those who don’t agree with their views to be disbelievers, and they consider their blood lawful for shedding. They also permit the killing of the women and children that oppose them. This is done by the Azariqah; one of the sects of the Khawaarij. (Lawaami’-ul-Anwaar al-Bahiyyah 1/86) They hold that it is obligatory to fight against the ruler alone as well as whoever is pleased with his rule. As for those who reject the ruler, then it is not permissible to fight against them unless they support the ruler, attack the beliefs of the Khawaarij or serve as guides for the ruler. This is done by the Ujaradah; one of the sects of the Khawaarij. They do not hold that an oppressive ruler has the right to leadership. This is recorded by Imam Ashari. (Maqaalat al- Islaamiyeen 1/204) they hold it as an obligatory duty to rebel against the leader if he opposes the Sunnah. This is recorded in al-Milal wan-Nihal (1/115)

They hold that iman is: Knowledge of Allah and of what RasulAllah (saw) came with. So whoever commits something that he is not sure of as to whether it is lawful or unlawful, he is a disbeliever, since he was obligated to have researched into the matter. This is done by the Baihasiyyah – one of the sects of the Khawaarij. (Lawaami’-ul Anwaar al-Bahiyyah 1/87)

They come out from the Religion just as an arrow comes out from the hunted game. Then they do not return back to it. This is narrated from Abu Dharr (ra). (Muslim) And in another narration from Abu Sa’ed al-Khudri: “They shoot out from the Religion just as an arrow shoots out from the hunted game.”

(Bukhari) In another report narrated from Ali (ra) it states: “They shoot out from Islam…” (Bukhari) They will shoot through (yamruqun) Islam just as an arrow shoots the hunted game. Ibn Athar stated: “That is they will enter it, tear through it and leave it, just an arrow will pierce the thing that is shot at and then come out of it.” (an-Nihaya 4/320) “And when the arrow shoots in to hunted game, it comes out from the other side, opposite the side from where it entered. So the Khawaarij were called Mariqah due to the statement of RasulAllah (saw) ‘They will shoot through (yamruqun) Islam just an arrow shoots through hunted game’.” (az-Zari, Mukhtararus-sihhah, 1/259)

Their iman does not go past their throats. This is narrated in a hadith from Ali (ra) by Bukhari. Due to deviation and separation from the path of haqq and jamaa'ah, their iman will only be considered just a claim which would not reach to the heart. Their prayer does not go past their throats. This is narrated from Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra). (Muslim) They will speak the truth with their tongues, but it will not go past this from them. Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) said: “They will speak the truth with their tongues, but it will not go past this from them. And he pointed to his throat. They are from the most despised of Allah’s creation to Him. He said this when they told him: There is no rule except for that of Allah’s.” (Muslim)

They will kill the people of iman and leave alone the worshippers of idols. In one narration from Abu Sa’ed al-Khudri, it states: "And they will kill the People of Islam, while leaving alone the people of Awthaan (idols)." (Muslim) Imam Ashari said: “As for the sword, then all of the Khawaarij speak of it and hold it except the Ibadiyyah. They do not hold resisting the people with sword. However they hold

removing the tyrannical leaders.” (Maqalatul Islamiyyan 1/204) Ibn Taymiyyah said: “the Khawaarij are the most apparent of the people of innovation and fighting against the rulers.” (Fatawa 7/217) They are always fighting against the Muslims. They killed Uthman (ra) and they killed Ali bin Abi Talib (ra). They killed az-Zubayr Ibn-ul-Awwam (ra) and killed the best of the Companions. They will set out (to fight) against the best group amongst people. RasulAllah (saw) described His companions as the best generation. (Bukhari)

They shed unlawful blood. This is narrated from Ali bin Abi Talib. (Muslim) They lie in wait on the roads for the purpose of attacking the passers-by and spilling their blood without any justification from Allah. It is mentioned in the speech of Aisha (raa). (Hakim, Mustadrak; Majma’-uz-Zawaa’id)

They oppose and even accuse RasulAllah (saw). Allah’s saying: “And among them are some who accuse you (O Muhammad) in the matter of the (distribution of) alms…” (at- Tawbah 9/58) was revealed concerning Abdullah bin Thul-Khuwaysirah At-Tamimee, the founding father of the Khawaarij and this is narrated from Abu Sa’ed al-Khudri (ra). (Bukhari) Ibnu’l-Jawzi stated: “I am not surprised at their

certainty about their knowledge nor their conviction that they were more knowledgable then Ali (ra) for Thul Khuwasirah had told RasulAllah (saw) ‘Be just for you have been unfair.’ And it was Iblis who led them to perpetrate these infamies; we seek refuge in Allah from abandonment and defeat (at the hands of Iblis).” (Talbisu’l-Iblis) They permit oppression against RasulAllah (saw). This is related from Abu Sa’ed al-Khudri (ra). (Bukhari; Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmoo-ul- Fatawa 19/73) They disparage their rulers and claim them to be upon misguidance As Abdullah bin Thul-Khuwaysirah did with RasulAllah and others to Uthman (ra), Ali (ra) and likes.

They do not believe that the people of knowledge and virtue hold a special position. They perceived that they were more knowledgeable than Ali bin Abi Talib, Ibn Abbas and the rest of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with all of them. (al-Khawaarij Awwalul-Firaq fi Tarikh-il-Islam 38) Ibnu’l-Jawzi said: “I am not surprised at their certainty about their knowledge nor their conviction that they were more knowledgable then Ali (ra)” (Ibnu’l-Jawzi, Talbisu’l-Iblis) They do not respect the sanctity of places or times, as occurred with the Qaraamitah and those who came after them.

Not one of the Companions of RasulAllah (saw) could be found amongst them (i.e. to support them). This is also recorded by Hakim. (Mustadrak)

Every time a new generation springs forth from them, it gets cut off (i.e. from the Jamaa’ah). This is narrated from Ibn Umar (ra). (Ibn Majah) The Khawaarij will never come to an end. Rather, they will continue to exist until the establishment of the Final Hour. This is related from Ali (ra). (Bukhari). There will emerge from amidst them the Dajjal. In a narration it states: “…from their treachery…” And in one manuscript: “…from their ranks…” And that refers to a great army and this is narrated from Ibn Umar (ra). (Ibn Majah). There will be from among them those who will be with the Dajjal during the Last Days. It was said to Ali (ra): “All praise be to Allah who rescued the servants from them.” He replied: “Nay. I swear by the One in whose Hand my soul is, there are still some of them that remain in the loins of men and verily, there are those amongst them who will be with the Dajjal. (Lawaami’-ul-Anwaar al-Bahiyyah

1/86)

They speak with the best speech amongst creation. Imam Bukhari narrated this from Ali (ra). However they would not benefit from it. They beautify their speech but produce vile actions. This character of theirs is narrated by Abu Sa’ed al-Khudri (ra). (Abu Dawud). They outwardly manifest the attributes of calling to good and forbidding evil, redirecting the religious texts concerning that towards disputing with the rulers, rebelling against them and fighting against those who oppose them. These are mentioned in ash-Shari’ah (22) and also al-Khawaarij Awwalul-Firaq fee Tarikh-il-Islam (37). They speak using the speech and words of the people of knowledge. Muhammad bin al-Husayn (ra) said: “It is not befitting for one who sees the tireless efforts of a Khariji that has rebelled against a ruler, whether just or tyrannical. thus setting out against him, rallying a group against him, unsheathing swords and deeming it lawful to fight against Muslims – it is not befitting for him to be deceived by such a person’s recitation of the Qur’an nor by the length of his standing in prayer, nor by his perseverance in fasting, nor by his good words concerning knowledge, so long as he holds the views of the Khawaarij.” (ash-Shari’ah 28)

They go astray with regard to Allah’s unclear verses. They do not try to combine between the clear and unclear verses, as those firmly-grounded in knowledge do. Ibn Abbas (ra) said: “They believe in His clear verses, but go astray concerning His unclear verses. No one knows their hidden meanings except Allah. And as for those firmly rooted in knowledge, they say: ‘We believe in it.’” And he said: “They are in a confused and drunken state. They are neither Jews nor Christians nor Magians, so that they may be excused.” (Shari’ah, 28) They will become so deeply absorbed (ta’ammuq meaning relying and using as proof that which the religious texts do not substantiate.) in the Religion to the point that they will leave from it. This is narrated from Abdullah b Amr. (Ibn Abi Asim, As-Sunnah) They call the people to the Book of Allah but have nothing to do with it, meaning err in their manner of deriving the basis of proof from them. Narrated from Abu Sa’ed al-Khudri and Anas b Malik (Abu Dawud) They cling onto the