What is a Khariji and Who are the Khawarij?

Khariji or Kharijite: a follower of the Khawarij, or the attribute of following the Khawarij.

Khawarij: the group that expels people from the fold of Islam upon innovated principles and revolts against the rulers, causing much turmoil throughout the land

The original Khawarij were the descendents of a man named Dhul-Khuwaysarah, as prophesied by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace). They are the sect that were responsible for the killing of many of his companions. They differ from the followers of the Salaf (the Prophet and his companions) in that they do not restrict themselves to the understanding which the Salaf had when applying texts related to takfir (excommunication). Hence, they use textual evidences, but fall short in understanding them. This is why the likes of Osama Bin Laden make unrestricted takfir.

Regarding the Khawarij, Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan, one of the great Salafi scholars of this time, said: “So having enthusiasm and an over-protective love for the religion is not sufficient. They must be founded upon knowledge and understanding of Allah’s religion.”

- abridged from the book: The ‘Wahhabi’ Myth

 

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan, Lamha ‘an-il-Firaqid-Daallah