How ʿAli ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه) Handled the Khawaarij – A Masterclass in Justice and Wisdom
- Muiz As-Siddeeqi
- Apr 26
- 2 min read
How ʿAli ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه) Handled the Khawaarij – A Masterclass in Justice and Wisdom
When the Khawārij first emerged in the Ummah during the era of ʿAlī (رضي الله عنه), their signs were clear:
Extreme speech.
Takfīr over sins.
Rebellion against legitimate Muslim authority.
But ʿAlī didn’t immediately raise the sword against them.
He first exercised the Salafi method: Knowledge, patience, justice, and firmness.
Step 1: Dialogue and Daʿwah
Before any confrontation, ʿAlī sent Ibn ʿAbbās (رضي الله عنهما) to debate them.
Through calm discussion using Qur’an and Sunnah, 2,000 of them repented and returned to the truth.
He gave them the chance to come back—without arrogance, without mockery.
Step 2: Leave Them As Long As They Don’t Spill Blood
Even after they remained isolated, ʿAlī left them alone—as long as they did not harm others.
He did not fight them until they spill blood.
Step 3: When They Attacked Innocents, He Acted
When the Khawārij started killing Muslims—ambushing travelers, murdering women and children—then ʿAlī rose to defend the Ummah.
At the Battle of Nahrawān, he confronted them after:
Exhausting all options of peace.
Giving them time and warnings.
And he fought them not because of their words, but because of their violent actions against innocent Muslims.
ʿAlī’s Salafi Principles:
Daʿwah before fighting
Evidence before judgment
Patience with their harm
Firmness when they transgress the limits
The Prophet ﷺ said about the Khawārij:
"They will go out of the religion like an arrow passes through its target." — Sahih al-Bukhari (6930), Sahih Muslim (1064)
O Muslim:
If you see people calling to rebellion and bloodshed in the name of "purity,"
If you hear takfīr being thrown easily upon Muslims,
Know that the Sunnah is to be patient, wise, and firm—not to ignite chaos.
Learn from ʿAlī’s wisdom, not from the Khawārij’s emotions.
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