Pakistan Army’s Jihad Against Khawarij TTP and their ideology
Pakistan’s Relentless War against Centuries-old Sidewinder which has been resurrected after a long hibernation!
TTP has been wreaking havoc across Pakistan for the last 2 decades while carrying a façade of being a religiously motivated organization that wants the implementation of Islamic laws. Their claims and deeds are mutually exclusive and contradictory. TTP adopted the most violent methods and ideology to meet their end goal. Their activities, since their emergence have proven them a terrorist organization. But they are not like any terrorist organization, their ideology and actions based on this ideology put them in the same category as Khawarij who first emerged during the early period of Islam.
TTP is the latest incarnation of Khawarij and it becomes more evident when one studies the TTP’s actions in the light of Islamic teachings (of Quran and Hadiths). Both sources of Islamic jurisprudence have left no doubt that anyone involved in extremism, violence, and terror doesn’t belong to Islam regardless of their superficial demeanour. Before studying the Islamic teachings about these subjects, it would be prudent to briefly know the historical background of Khawarij.
Who are Khawarij in Islam?
In Islam, the Khawarij (or Khawarij, “seceders”) are a historical and theological group that emerged in the early years of Islamic history. They are known for their strict and radical interpretation of Islam. The term “Khawarij” means “those who have gone out” and originally referred to those who broke away from the main body of Muslims during the First Fitna (the first Islamic civil war).
The Khawarij first appeared during the caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph of Islam. They initially supported Ali but later opposed him, particularly after the arbitration process with Muawiya, the governor of Syria, which they considered a form of compromise and thus a violation of Islamic principles.
The Khawarij are known for their extreme and uncompromising views on Islamic law. They advocated for a strict and literal interpretation of the Quran and Hadith. One of their key doctrines was that any Muslim who committed major sins was considered an apostate and could be punished or even killed.
The Khawarij held a radical view on leadership and believed that any righteous Muslim could become a leader, regardless of their lineage or background. They rejected the notion of hereditary leadership and the authority of the Umayyad Caliphate, which they viewed as corrupt.
In Islamic teachings, particularly in Hadith literature, the Khawarij are often portrayed in a negative light. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have warned about the Khawarij, describing them as “dogs of Hell” and noting that they would emerge in times of strife. They are depicted as people who, despite their apparent piety and dedication to religious practices, would be misguided and cause division among Muslims.
The Khawarij were involved in various conflicts and uprisings, including the assassination of Ali ibn Abi Talib. Their influence waned over time, but their ideology has had a lasting impact on some extremist groups throughout Islamic history.
It is therefore important to understand what Quran and Prophet Muhammad have told us about this fitna-tul-Khawarij. Knowing these commandments is necessary to expose the TTP’s religious demeanour under which they cloak their violence, oppression and terrorism.
Quran addresses issues related to terrorism, fitnah (strife or discord) and loyalty to the state in several ways reflecting its principles of justice, peace, and community cohesion. When we study the conduct of TTP, it becomes increasingly evident that these terrorists have nothing to do with Islam or Muslims. In fact, they are breaching each commandment from Allah and His Prophet PBUH.
Here’s a brief overview of the Quranic teachings about terrorism, violence and fitna etc.
Terrorism and Violence
The Quran strongly condemns unjust violence and aggression. While the Quran allows for self-defence and fighting against oppression, it emphasizes that such actions should adhere to strict ethical guidelines. Key verses include:
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190): “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.”
This verse allows fighting in self-defense but prohibits transgression and harm to non-combatants.
Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32): “Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul [in retaliation] or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely…”
This verse highlights the sanctity of life and condemns unjust killing, comparing it to killing all of humanity.
Surah Al-Anfal (8:61): “And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.”
The Quran advocates for peace and reconciliation when the other party seeks it.
Fitnah (Strife and Discord)
The concept of fitnah refers to trials, discord, and civil strife. The Quran stresses the importance of unity and peace, and it warns against actions that could lead to fitnah:
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:191): “And kill them wherever you have overtaken them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you. And fitnah is worse than killing…”
– This verse indicates that creating fitnah (strife) is a grave sin, worse than killing. It calls for fighting only in the context of persecution and to end strife.
Surah Al-Ankabut (29:2): “Do not think that you will be left alone while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who strive for His cause and do not take other than Allah, His Messenger, and the believers as intimates. And Allah is Acquainted with whatever you do.”
This verse acknowledges that believers will be tested, and stresses the importance of perseverance and loyalty to Allah and the community.
Loyalty to the State
The Quran promotes justice, respect for lawful authority, and maintaining social order. It encourages Muslims to uphold justice and fulfil their obligations to the state as long as it does not conflict with Islamic principles:
Surah An-Nisa (4:59): “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you…”
This verse calls for obedience to those in authority, provided they govern justly and in accordance with Islamic principles.
Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8): “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”
– It emphasizes that Muslims should act justly and kindly towards those who are peaceful and not hostile, underscoring the importance of fairness in dealings.
Surah Al-Anfal (8:46): “And obey Allah and His Messenger and do not dispute among yourselves lest you lose courage and your strength depart. And be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
Unity and cooperation are encouraged to maintain strength and order within the community.
These Quranic verses, their wisdom, and how TTP qualifies as Khawarij, all become more evident when we study them along with Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad PBUH on the same subjects. These Hadiths highlight the Prophet’s warning about the Khawarij, describing them as individuals who appear outwardly religious but are fundamentally misguided. The emphasis is on their extreme and radical views, and the Prophet’s statements often serve as a warning against their ideologies and actions.
Here are a few notable Hadith related to the Khawarij
Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
Narrated by Abu Sa’id al-Khudri R.A: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “There will emerge from the side of this Ummah (Muslim community) people who will recite the Quran but it will not go beyond their throats. They will pass through the religion just as an arrow passes through its prey. Wherever you find them, kill them, for there will be a reward on the Day of Resurrection for killing them.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari
Narrated by Ali ibn Abi Talib R.A: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “They are the worst of the creatures and the worst of mankind.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Hadith from Sahih Muslim
Narrated by Abu Huraira R.A: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “They will come out in the later part of time, and they will be young in age and foolish in understanding. They will speak with the best speech of the creation, but they will pass through the religion as an arrow passes through its prey. Their prayer will not exceed their throats. They will be the worst of people, and they will be killed by the Muslims.” (Sahih Muslim)
Hadith from Sunan Abu Dawood
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar R.A: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Among the people who will emerge in the end of times, there will be a group of people who will recite the Quran but it will not go beyond their throats. They will leave the religion as an arrow leaves its target.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)
In summary, the Quran promotes the principles of justice, peace, and adherence to ethical conduct. It condemns terrorism and unjust violence, warns against creating fitnah, and advocates for loyalty and respect to lawful authority within the bounds of Islamic teachings. When we juxtapose TTP’s actions during the last 20 years with these commandments from Allah, it becomes clear that this terror outfit has only used the name of our great religion to further its nefarious agenda to rule the masses with fear and cruelty. Centuries ago, when this venomous sidewinder first appeared during the age of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, he warned about its resurgence time and again till the day of judgment.
COAS Pakistan Army has boldly described TTP as Fitna tul Khawarij. Pakistan Army’s Jihad against this evil with the support of Pakistan’s resilient nation must be seen in the light of the above-mentioned Quranic commandments and Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. He has given great news about the army who will fight against this fitna. In this age and time, the Pakistan Army has been making countless sacrifices to protect against this threat a country that is the only ideological Islamic state on the world map. May Allah protect all those who have been at the forefront of this Jihad. Ameen.
Shahzad Masood Roomi
