Genealogy of Takfir

Inspired by extremist groups such as the Khawarij and rigid mindsets of individuals like Ibn Taymiyyah, some groups have embarked on excommunicating Muslims, murdering them and plundering their property and thus presenting a distorted and ugly image of Islam to the world. In this study, the chronology of the development of the phenomenon of takfir (excommunication) in the Islamic world has been studied to specify not only the groups but also the motives and purpose behind excommunicating others. Such acts which have taken place over the history of Islam have had a juridical aspect and they have, therefore, led to violation of other people's blood and property. The Kharijites were the first group to label others as disbelievers. However, the act of excommunicating done by followers of other sects had a theological approach and was largely motivated by religious fanaticisms. For this reason, they did not consider others as being out of the fold of Islam, nor did allow their followers to violate others' blood and property. Following the Kharijites, the juridical excommunication (takfir fiqhi) was not committed so often until Ibn Taymiyayyah emerged out of nowhere and revived the said practice. After a few centuries, Wahabism inspired by Ibn Taymiyyah's rigid thoughts propagated and promoted a mindset which led to creation of Takfiri Salafi or Jihadi groups in the contemporary world. These groups are brutal and engage in murdering and plundering Muslims.