ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib A Look At the Khawarij The germs of Kharijism had already formed during the time of the Prophet (a.s) and were latently growing and spreading. These people, in the garb of Islam, created intrigue against the Creed. They took part in the destructive activities with great gusto. Their impertinence was of such order that they did not abstain even from attacking the justice and fairness of the Prophet (a.s).

Therefore, when, in the battle of Hunayn, the Prophet (a.s) distributed the booty at the Valley of al-Ju`ranah and, as an incentive to the new Muslims he gave them more share from his khums , a person of that group, Dhul-Khuwaysirah al-Tamimi, said in an impertinent tone to the Prophet (a.s) that he should be just and fair At this, the Prophet (a.s) said, “If I do not do justice, then who else will do it?” `Umar too was angry on the person and said, “O Prophet of Allah (a.s)!

Should we not kill this person?” The Prophet (a.s) said: “Leave him! There are many like him! If some of you compare their prayers with your prayers, and your fasting with their fasting, you will find yourself far behind them. They will escape from the Faith as the arrow pierces through the game!”[1] Outwardly such people were sticklers for the norms of the Religion and regular in prayers, fasting and the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.

But they were unaware of the Spirit of Islam and the Reality of the faith. Therefore, the Prophet of Islam (a.s) had said about them: “My Ummah will be divided into two groups. And another group will spring from one of the two. The people of this group will shave their heads, clip their moustaches and will wear their loincloth half way to the knees. They will recite the Qur’an, but the Qur’an will not go beyond their throats.

They will be killed by the person who is most dear to me and Allah.”[2] [1] Sahīh al-Bukhārī, Vol 4, Page 134 [2] Tārīkh Baghdād, Vol 1, Page 160 Their outward appearance, their prayers and the large calluses on their foreheads would attract people and beguile them; their prayers were so intense that even the Sahabah used to be impressed. Therefore, once the Prophet (a.s) saw Dhul-Khuwaysirah in prostration. The Prophet (a.s) finished his prayer and Dhul-Khuwaysirah was still in his prostration.

The Prophet (a.s) turned to Abū-Bakr and said, “You go and kill Dhul-Khuwaysirah.