The Methodology of the Confrontation of the Commander of the Faithful (a) with the Takfiri Movement of the Khawarij

The Khawarij were an extremist group that were apparently pious individuals. However¡ due to their fanaticism and ignorance they were not able to comprehend the reality of Islam. The roots of this movement go back to the beginning of Islam. However¡ this movement actually appeared in the event of Siffin¡ after the treachery of Umar ibn Aas. The Commander of the Faithful (a) was the ruler of Islamic society at that time. In order to combat this movement he utilized many different methods. The main goal of the Commander of the Faithful (a) was the prevention of corruption in the nation of the Prophet of Islam (s) and the guidance of Khawarij. He also wanted to make the Muslim nation aware of what this movement would lead to. Because of this the Commander of the Faithful (a) tried to be tolerant towards the Khawarij and overlooked many of their faults. He attempted to have dialogue with them. In the end¡ when all else failed¡ he fought with them as they did with him.