PMS 2025 Solved Islamiat Past Paper | The challenge of “Khawarij” emerge and was settled down during the Caliphate of Hazrat Ali (R.A)
The Khawarij emerged during the Caliphate of Hazrat Ali (R.A.) as a challenge to Muslim unity and legitimate authority. Within PMS Islamic Studies, understanding their rise, suppression, and lasting influence is essential for analyzing religious extremism, political dissent, and contemporary security challenges in the Muslim world.
Question Breakdown
The question requires explaining the emergence of the Khawarij after the Battle of Siffin, the steps taken by Hazrat Ali (R.A.) to suppress the movement, and the relevance of Kharijite ideology in contemporary forms of extremism, intolerance, and militancy.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Ideological understanding of khawarij
3-The emergence of khawarij in the Caliphate of Hazrat Ali (R.A)
- Political Conditions after the Martyrdom of Hazrat Usman (R.A)
- The first civil war of Muslims: The battle of Jamal
- Arbitration Controversy and the Rise of the Khawarij
- Extremist Ideology and Rebellion against Hazrat Ali (R.A)
4-The settling down of Khawarijs by Caliph Ali (R.A) in the Battle of Nahrawan
- Dialogue and Reconciliation with the Khawarij
- Suppression of Rebellion in the Battle of Nahrawan
- Restoration of Political Stability and Muslim Unity
5-The impacts of Khawarij movement in contemporary era
- Extremism and Inflexibility creating discord among Muslims
- Misuse of Takfir and Intolerance toward Opponents
- Political Turmoil and weakening of Islamic Governance
- Sectarianism and Fragmentation
5-Critical analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The extremist religious ideologies, portrayed of being Islamic, have historically tarnished the peaceful and harmonious notion of Islam. Started even in the lifetime of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). Developing gradually, the like-minded radical Khawarij emerged in the reign of Caliph Ali (R.A). They were, however, defeated by Caliph Ali (R.A), but their malicious roots still remained. Since then, muslims witnessed the harm they do to Islam and innocent Muslim, owing to their stringent views. Thus, the spill over of Kharijits can be seen in the contemporary era in the form of different religious extremists groups spread in parts of Africa and Asia.
Ideological understanding of khawarij
The term “Khawarij” means the “those who left” refers to early Muslim groups who broke away from mainstream Islam. They used to be group of Muslims who were initially followers of the fourth Caliph Ali, but later went against him and broke away from him. Known for their extreme religious practices, narrow interpretation and shallow understanding of Islam. However they were scornful of the people of knowledge and would consider the true Scholars of Islam misleaded. Moreover, they considered sinful Muslims to be disbelievers and would fight them if they did not repent. In this regard, Kharijites were the first group in Islamic history to practice takfir and hence justified the killings of those who they deemed infidels.
The emergence of Khawrij in the Caliphat of Hazrat Ali (R.A)
- Political Conditions after the Martyrdom of Hazrat Usman (R.A)
After the tragedy of Martyrdom of Hazrat Usman (R.A), Hazrat Ali (R. A) took the responsibility as Fourth Caliph. He faced the monumental task of restoring peace to a fractured empire. However, some of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) along with Hazrat Aisha (R.A) demanded justice for Hazrat Usman(R.A) in first priority. Ali (R.A) was of the opinion that everyone, including those who were demanding revenge should first pledge allegiance to him, Most of the Ansaar and Muhajerin, regardless of their difference of opinions, had already pledged allegiance to him. It was only Hazrat Muawiyah (R.A)and the people of Syria who had not yet pledged their allegiance, insisted to take revenge first and handed over the handful of people of your Army who murdered Hazrat Usman. Those who committed murder fled to Syria.
- The First Civil war of Muslims : The Battle of Jamal
While the political instability of the realm kept Hazrat Ali (R.A) from delivering justice to Hazrat Usman(R. A), Talha and Zubair (R.A) along with Hazrat Aisha rose against Ali after he failed to avenge Usman. This also spark a sentiment of honor and justice among people; consequently, the risk of armed conflict became imminent in oppostion to Hazart Ali (R.A). Hazrat Aisha(R.A) accompanied with her Army marched towards Iraq. Although, Ali (R.A) wanted to settle the conflict through diplomatic routes, but negotiations turned futile. Resultantly, the conflict commenced leading to blood shed. However, after falling of Hazrat Aisha’s camel by the companions of Ali (R.A), the conflict ended, with the supporters of Aisha surrendered. Hazrat Aisha was then sent to Madina with respect. The Battle of Jamal, is thus, the first civil war of Islam fought between Aisha
and Ali (R.A).
- Arbitration Controversy and the Rise of Khawarij : The battle of Siffin
After the defeat of coalition by Hazrat Ali near Basra, the Governor of Syria, Hazrat Muwayia who had not pledged allegiance to Hazrat Ali, the dispute lead to their confrontation at a site called Siffin. The conflict lasted for many days until Hazrat Muawiyah called for arbitration, and the dispute was settled down. However, the settlement causes dissension among Hazrat Ali (R.A) army, who were of the opinion that arbitration belongs to God alone and that both the Caliph and Governor are apostates. Owing to their belief, the group was called Khawarij, means “those who left Islam”.
- Extremist Ideology and Rebellion against Hazrat Ali(R.A)
In the aftermath of Siffin the dissent turned into religious division. The battle of Siffin marked the historical boundary between the secret period of khawarij and the public display period. After the arbitration, a group of 6,000 men not only rejected but also rebelled against Ali (R.A). They accused Ali of apostasy for agreeing to arbitration and not judging with Quran. The Kharijites declared takfir on Ali and those who accepted the arbitration. They used the slogan “inil hukmu illa lillah”, means legislation is for none but Allah, which they quoted from the Quran and went against anyone who ruled not with God’s revelations.
The settling down of Khawarij by Caliph Ali (R.A) at the battle of Nahrawan
- Dialogue and Reconciliation of Extremists
While the Khawarijs were stubborn about their extreme ideologies of Islam, Hazrat Ali sent Ibne Abbas for dialogue with Khawarij. He convinced them and with his knowledgeable debate. For instance, Ibne Abbas recited a verse, regarding a woman and his husband, Allah says: if you fear breach between husband and wife, appoint two arbitrators: one from his family and other from hers( Al Nisa 4:35). In this way, he convinced them with rich arguments and incited them to go back to the right path. Consequently, some 2000 among Khawarij, came back to the right path, while the rest of them remained misguided.
- Suppression of Rebellion in the Battle of Nahrawan
After Siffin event and their public display, Khawarij were initially tolerated by Hazart Ali considering them as part of the Muslim community. He then persuaded and reconciled them to join the right path. Although some were convinced, yet, thousands of them remained as Khawarij. However, when the Kharijites killed Abdullah Bin Khabbab( R.A), a companion of the Prophet and his wife in a barbaric and inhumane manner, Hazart Ali (R.A) decided to fight the Kharijites. They met in the Battle of Nahrawan in 659, a region near Kufa. In this battle, Hazrat Ali defeated them. Among 12000 soldiers, 4,000 were killed, and 4,000 surrendered, and the remaining 4,000 scattered throughout the caliphat.
- Restoration of Political Stability and Muslim Unity
After the Battle of Nahrawan and the defeat of Khawarij, political stability restored though for a brief period of time. The unrest and fear created by Khawarij was largely subsided. This paved the way for Muslim unity, as the rebels were proved wrongful after Nahrawan event. However, the Kharijites splintered into a persistent radical movement. The 4000 surviving Khawarij were struggling for retaliation. This, finally, set the stage for the assassination of Hazrat Ali in 661 CE.
The impacts of Khawarij movement in contemporary era
- Modern extremism and inflexibility creating discord among Muslims
Though a historical phenomenon, the radical mindset of the Khawarij persists even today. They are known for their extreme and rigid stance against corruption, injustice, and violations of Islamic law, believing that only those who meet specific criteria of justice and competence should lead the Muslim community. Their stringent views often led them to adopt controversial and unacceptable measures, including violence and terrorism, to achieve their goals. For instance, the Pakistani government has officially designated the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna al-Khawarij”, owing to their terrorism. Consequently, they are regarded as dangerous and extremist. Moreover, they exhibit sharp contrast with the core values of unity, peace, tolerance, and justice promoted by mainstream Islamic groups. Therefore, the war against them is not mere military based but also ideological, as they created a discord in Muslim community.
- Misuse of Takfir and Intolerance towards Opponents
Similarly, Islam teaches the value of humanity, respecting each other’s ideologies and practicing tolerance. However, extremists, owing to their extreme ideologies, show aggressive behavior towards opponents. They used Takfir for those who do not aligned with their belief system. Not only this, but they do not hesitate to kill their opponents due to difference in ideologies.By distorting the core values and presenting a violent, intolerant version of faith to the world, they have made non Muslims to perceive Islam as an inherently unstable, fractured religion. In this way they also tarnished the reputation of Islam.
- Political Turmoil and weakening of Islamic Governance
Furthermore, religious extremism that have its roots in khawarij movements centuries ago causes destabilization of governance and political turmoil. Historically, religious extremism remains a threat to various Muslim Caliphates including Umyyad, Abassid etc. The destabilization effects of extremism weakens state institutions, erode democratic processes. This, ultimately, undermine the foundational principles of Islamic Governance that is based on justice and fairness, peace and consensus. For instance, the growing strength of violent extremist organizations, like in the Sahel threatens to Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, weakening leadership and spread instability across Africa. This along with other multiple extremists organization works on the same objective: To establish Caliphate system on the expense of blood shedding and violence. Finally, extremism brings nothing but political turmoil and governance instability.
- Sectarianism and fragmentation
Likewise, another spill of religious extremism is seen in the form of sectarianism and social fragmentation. Owing to their narrowed and inflexible interpretations of Islam, they exclude opposing viewpoints. Instead of following the core agenda of Islam which is harmony, respect the dignity of opponents. and peaceful coexistence, extremists undermine the very principle. For instance, the Shia Sunni conflicts in Balochistan province has witnessed multiple conflicts that ended in bloodshed. So, extremism causes internal fractures that sap the strength of Islamic societies and distract governments from focusing on socio_economic development.
Critical analysis
Critically analyzing, the khawarij movement that started long ago in the reign of Caliph Ali has re emerged with even elevated form. The repercussions of modern extremism ranged from religious clashes to political and sectarian conflicts that have sapped the unity of most Muslim world. Consequently, the Islamic fabric stained making an image of Islam as an extremist religion. According to Global Terrorism Index, Pakistan recorded the highest score on the Index and is the country most impacted by terrorism, partly due to resurgence of Taliban Government in Afghanistan. However, the issue can coped with through various kinetic and non kinetic measures including the revival of Madrassa system and negotiations with various extremist groups. In this way, the unity of Ummah and the lost reputation of Islam can be revived upto major extent.
Conclusion
All in all, the extremists religious group, khawarij, was initially emerged in the the Caliphate of Ali, after the battle of Saffin. Although he settled down them in the battle of Nahrawan, but their strengths remained. The contemporary extremist groups can be aptly called the reminents of initial Khawarij. These includes Tahreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamic State(IS), Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) etc. They plagued various Muslim countries through their rigid religious viewpoints, widespread voilence, and bloodshed. In a nutshell, extremism remained one of the greatest challenge for Islam all the time.
Searching for CSS or PMS Solved Islamiat Past Papers?
Are you preparing for the CSS or PMS and searching for solved Islamiat past papers, notes, books, PDFs, and MCQs? Explore them for free on Howtests and Cssprepforum. All content is fully solved and written by Miss Ayesha Irfan. For your convenience, the links are provided below. Simply click on any to start reading and preparing.
