Kharijite Rebellion (866–896)

Quick Facts: Who was Kharijite Rebellion (866–896)?

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Kharijite Rebellion (866–896)

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A protracted religious uprising challenging the authority of the Abbasid Caliphate in Mesopotamia.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Kharijite Rebellions were a series of major Kharijite uprisings against the Abbasid Caliphate between 866 and 896. Centered in the districts of Mosul and Diyar Rabi'a in the province of al-Jazira (upper Mesopotamia), the rebellion lasted for approximately thirty years, despite numerous attempts by both the central government and provincial authorities to quell it. It was finally defeated in 896 after the caliph al-Mu'tadid (r. 892–902) undertook several campaigns to restore caliphal authority in the region. The uprising was initially led by a local Kharijite named Musawir ibn Abd al-Hamid al-Shari.

Career & Major Achievements

Following Musawir's death in 877, he was eventually succeeded by Harun ibn Abdallah al-Bajali, who remained in command until the end of the rebellion. The Kharijite movement was a prominent religious sect in early Islamic history, known for its members' fanaticism and staunch opposition to the Muslim ruling establishment. The Kharijites' views on the nature of the caliphate caused them to reject the legitimacy of the rule of the Alids, Umayyads and Abbasids alike, and over the course of the seventh through ninth centuries they were responsible for numerous rebellions against the established government. Few of these attempts proved to be successful, but the Kharijites' continual presence in many Muslim-held regions meant that they were a near-constant source of trouble for the caliphs' governors. In the caliphal province of al-Jazira, Sufri Kharijism had enjoyed a strong following since the late seventh century, particularly among the Arabs of the Rabi'a tribe.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Between 750 and 865 more than a dozen Kharijite revolts were launched in this region, although most of them were easily put down by the Abbasid government. The most recent uprising had occurred in 862, approximately four years before Musawir's revolt. Beginning in 861 the Abbasid Caliphate entered a period of severe weakness, during which the central government in Samarra was paralyzed by a vicious struggle between the caliphs and the military establishment for control. Over the course of the 860s the government was repeatedly beset with financial difficulties, riots in the capital and rebel movements in multiple provinces. These problems were exacerbated in 865, when the rival caliphs al-Musta'in and al-Mu'tazz fought a civil war in central Iraq, which left thousands dead and caused major economic damage to the region.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kharijite Rebellion (866–896)

True or False: “The Kharijite Rebellions were solely confined to the region of Mosul and Diyar Rabi'a throughout their entire duration.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While centered in al-Jazira, the rebellion was a widespread challenge that occurred across various provinces during the Abbasid decline.

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