A Theological Perspective On The Kharijites And The İssue Of Faith And Deeds

Abstract

The first visible separations in Islamic History were Hz. ıt started with the martyrdom of Osman. Demands to find his murderers caused turmoil in society, and the Battles of Cemel and Siffin took place. Increasing pressures after the Battle of Cemel led to the Battle of Siffin. In this war, Hz. Supporters of Ali and Muawiyah faced each other. During the war, the Arbitrator Incident took place, which would sow the seeds of the first divisions within the Islamic society. As a result of this incident, Hz. Among Ali's supporters, a group called Kharijites emerged that opposed him. This group separated from itself and declared takfir of both warring parties. Over time, the Kharijites became a sect and said that Muslims who were not among them had apostatized from the religion and considered their blood halal. They ruled that a person who abandons good deeds is an unbeliever and claimed that he will remain in hell forever. Thus, the faith-deed problem arose and began to be discussed among Muslims. Later, they fell into disagreement among themselves and split into various groups. The only branch of the Kharijites that has survived to this day, which could not continue their existence for long due to their extreme views, is Ibaziyya.