Dissertation--Islamic studies--Los Angeles--University of California, 2002. / Bibliogr. p. 137-141.

Texte remanié de: Thèse de doctorat--Histoire--Lyon 2-Lumière, 1994. / Bibliogr. 355-379.

Inaug.-Diss.--Strassburg.

Thesis (B.A.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1963. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [89]-91).

Thesis (B.A.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1963. / Typescript. Title from title screen (viewed Aug. 14, 2007). Includes bibliographical references (leaves [89]-91). Online version of the print original.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 168-174). Also available on the Internet.

The Khārijites are usually regarded as the first faction to separate from the early Islamic community. They are viewed as rebels and heretics, constituting the first sect within early Islam. This thesis seeks to examine the narrative role and function of Khārijism in the historiographical tradition of the formative period of Islam. To that end, it looks at the major Islamic chronicles of the 3rd and 4th centuries AH/9th and 10th centuries CE and investigates their portrayal of Khārijite history. The analysis covers the period from the apparent emergence of the Khārijites at the Battle of Ṣiffīn in 37 AH/657 CE until the death of the Umayyad caliph ʿAbd al-Malik b. Marwān in 86 AH/705 CE. The thesis’ methodological approach is based on the premise that the historiographical works under study need to be approached as literary artefacts, as texts rather than databanks that can be mined for hard facts in order to reconstruct early Islamic and thus Khārijite history ‘as it really was’. This literary analysis of the source material on Khārijism leads to two major conclusions: first, there is hardly any narrative substance to the Khārijites as presented in the sources. Instead, the reports on Khārijite activities are mostly made up of structural components such as names and dates on the one hand, and topoi and schemata on the other. Consequently, no distinct and tangible identity, literary or otherwise, emerges from the material, pointing out the pitfalls of positivist approaches to Khārijite history and by extension early Islamic history in general. This phenomenon is directly connected to the second conclusion: the historiographical sources approach Khārijism not as an end in itself, but as a narrative tool with which to illustrate, discuss and criticize other actors and subject matters. The thesis is divided into six chapters. Chapters One and Two address those characteristics of and topoi in the representation of Khārijism that pervade the source material across the entire period investigated here. It emerges that the historiographers’ major concern in the depiction of Khārijism is the discussion of the perils of the rebels’ militant piety that threatens the unity and stability of the Islamic community. Chapters Three to Five look at the periods of ʿAlī’s caliphate, Muʿāwiya’s rule and the second fitna as well as t he reign of ʿAbd al-Malik, respectively, and identify the specific narrative purposes of Khārijism in the portrayal of each period. Chapter Six offers a number of observations on the early historiographical tradition as derived from the analysis over the preceding five chapters, addressing issues such as whether it makes sense to distinguish between proto-Sunnī and proto-Shīʿī sources. The Conclusion summarizes the main findings of this thesis and provides some suggestions regarding future research on Khārijite history and thought as well as early Islamic history in general.

The research aims to establish in a holistic manner the facts about the Khawtirij sect, its history, beliefs and activities, and the major events it experienced, together with knowledge about and principles of its different sub·groups. The research also sheds light on the lama 'at al- Takfir Wa L-Hijrah's activities whether in Egypt or in Somalia. The thesis scrutinizes the definition of extremism and terrorism in contrast to Islam's message of tolerance and justice. Within this context, it also clarifies disagreements deemed reprehensible by Islam. This study found that Islam promotes unity and condemns disputes, fanaticism, extremism and factionalism since it is a religion of moderation and tolerance. The Khawarij is a deviant group which can be described as a terrorist organization in modern parlance. The /ama 'at Takfir Wa L-Hijrah is nothing more than a modern version of the Khawiin"j which ad heres to the same beliefs as its predecessor. It has a visible presence in Somaliaand aU its actions confirm the original apostacising ideology of the . Khawiirij Such actions are not trivial; before embarking on them stri ct conditions and regulations have to be followed. The noble Prophet (peace be upon him) and Muslim scholars have warned against these practices when correct procedure is flouted. Some of the most commonly used words are: Islam, reli gion, nat jon, Somalia, Khawiirij, sect, faith, principles, disagreement, apostasy, Allah, Prophet Muhammad, Qur'an and Hadith. / Arabic / DLITT (Arabic)

The research aims to establish in a holistic manner the facts about the Khawtirij sect, its history, beliefs and activities, and the major events it experienced, together with knowledge about and principles of its different sub·groups. The research also sheds light on the lama 'at al- Takfir Wa L-Hijrah's activities whether in Egypt or in Somalia. The thesis scrutinizes the definition of extremism and terrorism in contrast to Islam's message of tolerance and justice. Within this context, it also clarifies disagreements deemed reprehensible by Islam. This study found that Islam promotes unity and condemns disputes, fanaticism, extremism and factionalism since it is a religion of moderation and tolerance. The Khawarij is a deviant group which can be described as a terrorist organization in modern parlance. The /ama 'at Takfir Wa L-Hijrah is nothing more than a modern version of the Khawiin"j which ad heres to the same beliefs as its predecessor. It has a visible presence in Somaliaand aU its actions confirm the original apostacising ideology of the . Khawiirij Such actions are not trivial; before embarking on them stri ct conditions and regulations have to be followed. The noble Prophet (peace be upon him) and Muslim scholars have warned against these practices when correct procedure is flouted. Some of the most commonly used words are: Islam, reli gion, nat jon, Somalia, Khawiirij, sect, faith, principles, disagreement, apostasy, Allah, Prophet Muhammad, Qur'an and Hadith. / Arabic / DLITT (Arabic)

Islaam as a world religion is most often associated with terrorism and numerous bombings and conflicts around the globe. While, Islaam does not encourage these actions there exists movements within the Muslim community which use violence as a means of political expression similar to the early extremist Khawaarij sect who abused the concept of takfeer. Many modern day ideologues seem to adopt the main tenets of the Khawaarij creed and as a result exhort and carrying out actions of violence under the guise of Islaam. In addition, Western media, secularists, and United States policy also appears to have a direct role in fostering the growth of these movements. Therefore, there is a need for further study into the ideological roots of these groups, their actions, and how societies can look for solutions to combat their ideals before they evolve into terrorist actions. / Religious Studies and Arabic / M. A. (Islamic Studies)