Al-Khawarij (الخوارج), or Kharijites, were a sect that emerged in the early history of Islam during the time of Caliph ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (RA). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made several explicit references to them in hadiths. These hadiths describe their religious extremism, superficial piety, and their future role as a recurring fitnah (trial) in the Muslim ummah. They are also given a place in Islamic eschatology (end-time scenarios). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) referred to them as “Hounds of Hellfire.”
1. Descriptions of the Khawarij in Hadiths
Several Sahih (authentic) hadiths describe the characteristics of the Khawarij:
a. Exceeding the limits in worship
“There will come people from my Ummah who will recite the Qur’an, but it will not go beyond their throats. They will pass through Islam as the arrow passes through the prey.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 6930, Sahih Muslim 1066
- This refers to people who appear outwardly pious, reciting Qur’an and performing religious rituals, but without true understanding or spiritual depth.
b. They fight the Muslims and leave the disbelievers
“They will kill the people of Islam and leave alone the people of idol worship.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 3344
- This refers to their misplaced zeal, declaring Muslims as unbelievers (takfir) and targeting them instead of genuine enemies.
c. Youthful and fanatical
“Young in age, foolish in thought.”
— Sahih Muslim 1066
- This highlights their immaturity and fanaticism, often driven by rigid literalism and lack of wisdom.
d. The Prophet commanded fighting them
“If I were to live to see them, I would surely kill them like the killing of ‘Ad.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 3611
- This strong statement shows the danger they pose to the Muslim community and that opposing them is a religious duty.
One of the most severe descriptions the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave regarding the Khawarij is:
“الْخَوَارِجُ كِلَابُ أَهْلِ النَّارِ”
“The Khawarij are the hounds of Hellfire.”
— Sunan Ibn Mājah, Hadith 173
Classification:
- This hadith is authentic (ṣaḥīḥ). It has been graded as such by scholars, including Al-Albānī in Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Mājah.
- Variants of this hadith are also reported in Musnad Ahmad, Sunan al-Nasā’ī, and Musnad Abī Yaʿlā.
Meaning and Implications:
1. “Hounds of Hellfire” – a Metaphor of Disgrace
- In classical Arabic, calling someone a “dog of Hell” is a strong expression of contempt and condemnation.
- Dogs, in Arab culture, were considered low-status animals; linking them to Hellfire intensifies the severity of the label.
2. Theological Implications
- This does not mean all who err in religious judgment are destined for Hell.
- It does mean that those who:
- Declare takfīr unjustly
- Kill Muslims
- Rebel against legitimate authority
- Distort the religion
3. Not Just a Historical Reference
- The Prophet’s statement refers to the ideological nature of the Khawarij — which can reappear at any time.
- Modern scholars have said this Kharijite mindset includes:
- Extremism
- Fanaticism
- Superficial religiosity
- Takfīr and violence in the name of religion
Commentary by Scholars:
Ibn Taymiyyah:
“The Khawarij are the first group to make takfīr (declare Muslims as non-believers) based on sins, and they consider their rebellion to be jihad. In truth, they are among the worst of people in terms of religion and deviation.“
Imam al-Nawawi:
Commenting on the hadiths about the Khawarij, he says:
“Their worship does not benefit them because they lack correct belief and methodology.“
Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalānī (Fath al-Bārī):
“They show outward piety, but they are misled. Their danger lies in their ability to attract sincere but ignorant people.“
The label “dogs of Hell” given to the Khawarij by the Prophet (peace be upon him) is:
- A stern warning against religious extremism, self-righteousness, and violence against fellow Muslims.
- A reminder that intention and outward piety do not excuse misguided zealotry and deviation from core Islamic principles.
- A reflection of the immense harm such groups have done and will continue to do to the Ummah.
This hadith is a powerful and comprehensive description of the Khawarij, linking them explicitly to end-time tribulations and even to the Dajjal. Here’s a breakdown of the Arabic text, followed by translation, analysis, and commentary.
Arabic Text:
قَالَ:
“يَخْرُجُ فِي آخِرِ الزَّمَانِ قَوْمٌ كَأَنَّ هَذَا مِنْهُمْ، يَقْرَءُونَ الْقُرْآنَ لَا يُجَاوِزُ تَرَاقِيَهُمْ، يَمْرُقُونَ مِنَ الْإِسْلَامِ كَمَا يَمْرُقُ السَّهْمُ مِنَ الرَّمِيَّةِ، سِيمَاهُمْ التَّحْلِيقُ، لَا يَزَالُونَ يَخْرُجُونَ حَتَّى يَخْرُجَ آخِرُهُمْ مَعَ الْمَسِيحِ الدَّجَّالِ، فَإِذَا لَقِيتُمُوهُمْ فَاقْتُلُوهُمْ، هُمْ شَرُّ الْخَلْقِ.”
Source: This narration is found in Sunan al-Nasai (H#4108), Musnad Ahmad, Sunan Ibn Majah, and others. It is authenticated by scholars like al-Albani. (See: Sahih al-Jamiʿ, Hadith no. 8077)
English Translation:
“A people will emerge at the end of time — as if this man is from them — who will recite the Qur’an, but it will not go beyond their collarbones. They will exit from Islam like an arrow passes through its target. Their distinguishing mark is shaving (their heads). They will continue to appear until the last of them emerges with the False Messiah (al-Masih al-Dajjal). So when you meet them, kill them, for they are the worst of creation.”
Key Points and Analysis:
1. “At the end of time” (فِي آخِرِ الزَّمَانِ)
This directly places their emergence in the eschatological context. They are not just a historical event; their ideology will reappear repeatedly.
2. “Recite the Qur’an, but it will not go beyond their collarbones.”
Shows superficial religiosity — they appear devout, but lack internalization and understanding of the Qur’anic spirit.
3. “Exit Islam like an arrow passes through the prey”
This metaphor suggests:
- Sudden and complete departure from the essence of Islam
- Speed and sharpness of their deviation — they seem to be in the religion but quickly distort it
- Their apostasy is not outward disbelief but distortion through extremism
4. “Their sign is shaving” (سِيمَاهُمُ التَّحْلِيقُ)
- Refers to a physical marker, often explained as shaving the head completely.
- Some scholars say it reflects misplaced asceticism or an unwarranted innovation in appearance.
5. “They will continue to emerge until they join the Dajjal”
This is a very serious eschatological statement:
- Implies that the Kharijite spirit is not limited to one group or era
- The final manifestation of their ideology will be so corrupted that they will become soldiers or allies of the Dajjal.
- Takfiri extremism is thus framed as an end-time satanic force.
6. “When you meet them, kill them.”
This is a rare and strong command from the Prophet (peace be upon him), showing:
- Their threat is existential to the Ummah
- Fighting them is defensive, to protect the religion and society
- Scholars have emphasized that this only applies when they take up arms and commit violence
7. “They are the worst of creation.”
This indicates:
- Their misguidance is worse than that of disbelievers, because they use Islam to destroy Islam
- They cause internal collapse, which is more dangerous than external enemies
Contemporary Relevance
Many scholars today consider this hadith a clear warning against extremist and takfiri movements — groups who:
- Declare other Muslims as apostates for minor reasons
- Claim sole ownership of religious truth
- Engage in terrorism and bloodshed
- Misuse of Qur’anic verses to justify rebellion and murder
These include groups throughout history and even modern-day violent sects claiming to fight for Islam but causing division, fitnah, and mass bloodshed.
This hadith is one of the most direct links between the Khawarij and the Dajjal in Islamic tradition. It teaches us:
- That extremism in religion is not a path to piety, but to destruction
- That Islamic eschatology includes warning signs like the reemergence of the Khawarij mentality
- That the true danger often comes from those who use Islamic symbols and language but betray its essence
2. Historical Emergence of the Khawarij
The Khawarij first appeared after the Battle of Siffin (657 CE), during the dispute between Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A) and Mu’awiya ibn Abi Sufyan (R.A). When arbitration was accepted to settle the conflict, some of Ali’s supporters broke away, saying “Judgement belongs to Allah alone” (La ḥukma illa lillah) — a slogan of the Khawarij. Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A) said, ” Their statement is true, but they intend a false meaning.”
They later declared both Ali and Mu‘awiya to be kuffar (disbelievers) and initiated rebellions, including the assassination of Ali in 661 CE.
3. Role in Islamic Eschatology
While the Khawarij are not explicitly named in most classical eschatological texts, their traits and ideology are believed by many scholars to re-emerge repeatedly until the end times. Key eschatological connections include:
a. Recurring Fitnah (trials)
- The Prophet indicated they will appear repeatedly:
“They will appear among you when there is division among the people.”
— Sahih Muslim 1066
- This suggests their appearance in times of political and religious turmoil, a feature of end-time fitan.
b. They will Join Dajjal
- The final manifestation of their ideology will be so corrupted that they will become soldiers or allies of the Dajjal.
c. Connection to modern-day extremism
- Many classical and contemporary scholars (e.g., Ibn Taymiyyah, Imam al-Ghazali, Shaykh al-Albani, and Yusuf al-Qaradawi) have compared modern extremist takfiri groups to the Khawarij, noting that their ideology is a recurring phenomenon. Their striking feature rests in their terrorist activities against the Muslim communities around the world. They kill the Muslims and leave the infidels.
Summary: Characteristics of Khawarij According to Hadiths
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Superficial religiosity | Recite Qur’an, pray, fast – but it doesn’t go beyond their throats |
| Violent toward Muslims | Target believers, not disbelievers |
| Takfir | Declaring fellow Muslims as apostates without due cause |
| Youthful zeal | Young and fanatical |
| Appear repeatedly | Will emerge in every generation |
| Must be opposed | The Prophet ordered fighting them |
Conclusion
The Khawarij are a warning from the Prophet (PBUH) about the dangers of extremism within the Muslim Ummah. While they first appeared in the 7th century, their ideology is seen as a recurring trial for Muslims. In eschatological terms, they are considered part of the broader fitan (tribulations) that will afflict the Ummah before the end of times.
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