Ibadism

Some people follow a way called Ibadism.

It is a part of Islam. Ibadis call themselves the People of Truth and Integrity.

Many people live in Oman. They also live in parts of Africa.

Some live in places like Tunisia and Libya.

Long ago, Ibadis had to hide their faith. This was because leaders wanted to stop them. They stayed safe by being quiet about their beliefs.

Ibadis choose their leaders. These leaders are called Imams. They do not have to be from one special family.

It is a way that has lasted a long time. People still follow these ideas today.

Ibadism is a branch of Islam. It is the third largest group.

Many people follow this faith today. Most Ibadis live in Oman. They also live in parts of Africa.

These places include Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Some live in Zanzibar, too.

This group started a long time ago. It grew from a group called the Kharijites. Many Kharijite groups were very extreme. They were often violent. However, the Ibadis chose a moderate way. They did not want to fight others. They stayed away from radical ideas.

In the past, Ibadis had to hide. They lived in secret to stay safe. This helped them keep their faith alive. They had leaders called Imams. These leaders were elected by the people. An Imam did not need to come from a special family. They led the people in many ways. Some Ibadis even had their own states in Oman and North Africa. They still follow these old ideas today.

Ibadism is a significant branch of Islam. It is the third-largest group within the faith.

Many followers call themselves "The People of Truth and Integrity." While Sunnis and Shias are much larger, Ibadis have a long and steady history. Today, the largest community of Ibadis lives in Oman. You can also find Ibadi groups in places like Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya.

Some communities live in Zanzibar in East Africa as well.

This group has roots that go back very far. It began from a group called the Kharijites. Some early Kharijite groups were very extreme and often fought others. However, the Ibadis chose a moderate path. They did not agree with radical ideas like those from Nafi ibn al-Azraq. For example, some groups thought it was okay to hurt women or children during wars. The Ibadis rejected these views as being against Islamic principles. They believed that even people who disagreed with them were still part of the Muslim community.

In the early days, being an Ibadi could be a hard job. After the Battle of al-Nahrawan in 658 AD, many followers had to hide. They lived in secret to stay safe from the Umayyad rulers. They called their hidden community "al-Muslimun." During this time, Jabir ibn Zayd became a very important leader. He was a learned man from the al-Azd tribe. He used his position to help preserve Islamic teachings quietly. Because of his work, he is recognized as the first Ibadi Imam.

History shows that Ibadis have built their own states. In 745, Talib al-Haqq started the first Ibadi state in the Hadhramaut. Later, in 750, another state was formed in Oman. In North Africa, Ibadis even created the Rustamid dynasty in Tahart.

Missionary work helped the faith spread to many places. By the year 900, Ibadism reached areas like Sindh and Khorasan. Even though some of these communities eventually ended, the faith remained strong in other areas.

Ibadis have unique ideas about how to choose leaders. Their leaders are called Imams. Unlike some other groups, Ibadi Imams are elected. They do not have to come from a specific family or tribe. For example, they do not believe a leader must come from the Quraysh tribe. This is different from the Sunni and Shia traditions. Ibadis also believe that smaller communities can rule themselves. They do not think one Imam must rule the entire Muslim world. This focus on local leadership is a key part of their tradition.

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.