Ibadis

Quick Facts: Who was Ibadis?

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Ibadis

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A distinct school of Islam, historically rooted in the Kharijite movement.

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Origins & Early Life

Ibadism or Ibadhism (Arabic: الإباضية, romanized: al-ʾIbāḍiyya, Arabic pronunciation: [alʔibaːˈdˤijja]) is a distinct school of Islam and is commonly regarded as the third Islamic branch, alongside Sunni Islam and Shia Islam. Its roots go back to the Kharijite secession from Ali, the prophet Muhammad's cousin and son in law who was the first Shia Imam and the fourth Sunni Rashidun caliph. However, contemporary Ibadis generally reject the characterization of their faith as Kharijites. Ibadism emerged during the early centuries of Islam and developed from the political and theological disputes surrounding the First Fitna. The tradition is historically associated with the early Muhakkima movement.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Ibadism is associated with Abdallah ibn Ibad, after whom the movement is named, while Jabir ibn Zayd is regarded as one of its most important early Ibadi scholars. The Ibadi movement developed in Basra before spreading to Oman, North Africa, and East Africa. Ibadism has its own distinctive theological and legal traditions, particularly concerning religious leadership, the nature of the Muslim community, and the qualifications required of an Imam. The followers of the Ibadi tradition are known as the Ibadis or, as they call themselves, "The People of Truth and Integrity." Ibadis are significantly less numerous than the two main Islamic denominations, Sunnis and Shias, which together account for nearly 100 percent of the global Muslim population. Ibadism remains understudied by outsiders, including both non-Muslims and Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Ibadis originated as a moderate branch of the Kharijites, an Islamic sect that originally split from the early dissenters known as the Muhakkima. These groups initially supported Ali during the First Fitna but withdrew their allegiance after rejecting the arbitration at the Battle of Siffin in 657 AD. From the Ibadi perspective, this original movement represented the only faction striving to restore the just Islamic Imamate as it existed during the time of Abu Bakr, Umar, the first six years of Uthman's rule, and the early years of Ali's reign before the arbitration. The military efforts of the early seceders ended with their defeat by Ali ibn Abi Talib at the Battle of Nahrawan in 658 AD. This was followed by another massacre at Al-Nukhaylah at the hands of the joint forces of Mu'awiya I and Hasan ibn Ali.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ibadis

True or False: “The Ibadis believe that armed revolt (Khuruj) is always mandatory for all Muslims to undertake against rulers they deem unjust.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Ibadis reject the extreme Kharijite doctrine of obligatory revolt; they maintain that opponents are 'infidels-in-gratitude' rather than polytheists.

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