kharijite

English - English

Definition of kharijite in English English dictionary

members of a reactionary Islamic sect in the 7th and 8th centuries

Member of the earliest Islamic sect, which emerged in the mid-7th century during conflicts over the succession of the caliphate (see caliph). The Khrijites ("separatists") took sides against Al, the Prophet's son-in-law (whose followers later made up the Shite branch of Islam), and led a series of uprisings, assassinating Al and harassing his rival Muwiyah. They later caused further disruptions for the Umayyad caliphs. Their constant attacks on Muslim governments were based on their belief that the caliph should be chosen by the entire Muslim community. They called for a literal interpretation of the Qurn and were harsh and puritanical in the exercise of their religion. The movement's Ibdiyyah subsect survived into the 20th century in North Africa, Oman, and Zanzibar

Hyphenation

Kha·ri·jite

Etymology

() Arabic those who split off, or depart