Ibadism

Ibadism is the third-largest branch of Islam. It is a moderate subsect with a long history. Many followers call themselves "The People of Truth and Integrity." While Sunnis and Shias are much larger, Ibadis have maintained distinct communities. Sunnis account for 85 to 90 percent of the Muslim world. Shias are also a major group. Today, the largest Ibadi community is in Oman. You can also find Ibadi groups in Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya.

There are also communities in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The roots of Ibadism go back to the Kharijite secession. This began during the time of the fourth Caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib. These early groups initially supported Ali during the First Fitna. However, they withdrew their allegiance after the Battle of Siffin in 657 AD. They rejected the arbitration that followed the battle. From the Ibadi perspective, this movement sought to restore a just Islamic Imamate. They wanted to return to the leadership seen during the reigns of Abu Bakr and Umar. They also looked to the first six years of Uthman's rule and the early years of Ali's reign.

Early Ibadi history involved periods of secrecy and survival. After the Battle of al-Nahrawan in 658 AD, the movement faced military defeat. A massacre also occurred at al-Nakhilah. These events led to the establishment of Umayyad rule. The Umayyads focused on suppressing all opposition. Because of this, sympathizers had to hide their faith. They called their underground community "al-Muslimun" or "Jama'at al-Muslimin." Leaders like 'Urwah ibn Udayyah and Abu Bilal Mirdas continued religious activities in Basrah. Abu Bilal was a very influential figure during this time.

Jabir ibn Zayd became a central figure in the development of the Ibadi school. He was a learned man from the al-Azd tribe. He lived in Basra and acted as a prominent mufti. This role allowed him to preserve Islamic teachings without attracting Umayyad suspicion. Jabir established leadership over the group and is recognized as their first imam. He focused on intellectual activities to protect the faith. Through his work, he formed connections with influential people across the Islamic world. His criticisms of certain narrations helped form the Ibadi interpretation of Islamic law.

Ibadism is defined by its rejection of extremist Kharijite doctrines. After the Second Fitna in 680 AD, the Kharijite movement split into four main groups. One group, led by Nafi ibn al-Azraq, held radical views. They argued that armed revolt was mandatory. They also viewed Muslim opponents as idolaters. The Azraqites believed it was permissible to kill women and children. They also allowed for the seizure of property. Ibadis rejected these views as dangerous heresies. They believed that Muslim opponents were "infidels-in-gratitude" rather than polytheists. They held that people could live among their opponents.

Throughout history, Ibadis have established several states. In 745, Talib al-Haqq created the first Ibadi state in the Hadhramaut. He captured Yemen in 746 from the Umayyad Caliphate. A second Ibadi state was established in Oman in 750. In North Africa, Ibadis founded the Rustamid dynasty in Tahart. This dynasty was overthrown by the Fatimid Caliphate in 909.

Despite these changes, Ibadi influence remained. By the year 900, the faith had spread to Sindh and Khorasan. It also reached the Hadhramaut and various parts of Oman. Missionary activity helped the faith reach places like Spain and Sicily.

Ibadi political theory is unique compared to other Islamic branches. Their leaders are called Imams. Unlike Sunni or Shia traditions, Ibadi Imams are elected. They do not follow a system of dynastic succession. Ibadis also reject the idea that a leader must come from the Quraysh tribe. This differs from the Sunni belief in Quraysh leadership. It also differs from the Shia belief in the Mahdi from the Prophet's household. Ibadis believe that individual Muslim communities are capable of ruling themselves. They do not believe one Imam must rule the entire Muslim world.