This party was of those who wanted to continue the fight on...

This party was of those who wanted to continue the fight on those who were insisting on imposing ‘the arbitration’. The slogan that two youths, `Urwah and al-`Adiyah, had shouted in their emotional outburst, became the slogan of the new group. When both the armies returned, and Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) proceeded with his army towards al-Kūfah, the faces of men were glum and the eyes reflected anger. Some had the shock that the battle was abandoned when it was almost won.

Others were angry why the arbitration was agreed to. Differences were already there and when they reached near al-Kūfah, a big chunk of 12,000 men refused to enter the bounds of the city and stayed at Harawra, a place outside al-Kūfah. They formed a permanent front with the slogan of “There is no referee but Allah!” This group was known as Khawarij or Harūriyyah. They selected Shabath ibn Rab`i as their chief and `Abdullah ibn al-Kawwa al-Yashkuri as their Imam.

Despite their headstrong behavior, Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) did not take any action against them. He knew that punitive action against the stubborn people would make them more stubborn. Only soft treatment and logic could bring such persons to the right path. Therefore, he tried to convince them through argument and advice. He decided to go personally to them and discuss the matter at length.

He sent Ibn `Abbas in advance with clear instructions not to broach the main topic until he himself reached the place. His fear was that the Khawarij might not accept `Abbas’s arguments and make up their minds not to talk any further on the subject. When `Abbas reached the midst of the Khawarij, they did broach the subject of the arbitration. They said the punishment in the Shari`ah for adultery was a hundred lashes and for theft cutting off the right hand.