KHARIJITES

Kharijites

Kharijites

Introduction

The diversity in this world does not exist with respect to the caste, race, ethnicity, or social class only, but also with respect to the faiths that the inhabitants of the world possess. These faiths are not the gift of the new or modern era, but they have existed since the ancient times and most of those faiths have found new faces and shapes over time. Amongst the most ancient faiths and the major religions existing in this world are Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Many inexperienced individuals believe that Islam came to limelight after Jesus. However, this belief is not correct. Islam had found its faith since the birth of Adam, and after that, according to Muslims, God has continuously sent Prophets and messengers to guide the inhabitants towards the righteous path.

Kharijites

To Which Caliphate's They Belong To

Kharijites are believed to be yet another inclusion into different sects found in Islam, primarily after the major sects like Sunni and Shia. Their existence or emergence is dated back to 7th century. The literal meaning of the term Kharijites is narrated as the people who went out. Furthermore, the people belonging to this group are also believed to be amongst the initial followers and proponents of the fourth caliphate Ali, the son in law of Prophet Muhammad.

Who They Were

Their Core Origin

With respect to their origin, the history clearly states that their origin first emerged in the world by the end of the 7th century, and the region that endured their origin is the existing southern region of the present Iraq. Interestingly, the Kharijites belong neither to the Sunni sect nor the Shia, in fact there are believed to be a rather distinct group emerged in Islam, having its own supposed fundamentals and principles regarding numerous concepts. As discussed earlier, the Kharijites were initially the followers of the fourth and the final caliph of Islam, Ali ibn Abi Talib. However, their support for their caliph did not last for a longer period, and soon announced their rejection regarding the acceptance of Ali ibn Abi Talib as their sole and actual leader (Esperanto, 2012).

What Earned Them This Title

With respect to their origin numerous historic Islamic researches and scholars have defined their origin as the group that wanted to walk out or publicise a strike against the existing leader (also known as Imam) of that time, by seeking to overthrow his power or rule. Most importantly, the group wanted to overthrow or reject the leadership of the Leader or caliph, whose leadership enjoyed the agreement of the majority population, in numerous aspects, domains and decision. Therefore, what earned them this title and marked their origin, was their rejection and walking out on the leadership of the final caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib (Foss, 2007, pp. 12).

What They Did

Their Prime Identity

Their prime identity rested in the fact stated in the previous section, which was the rejection of the acceptance of the powers exercised and enjoyed by the caliphate they earlier ...