Ibadism

Ibadism is a distinct branch of Islam whose communities developed especially in Oman and parts of North Africa. It has its own legal and theological traditions and traces its origins to the early Islamic period.

Islam: A monotheistic religion based on the Qur’an and the teachings of Muhammad. Ibadism is one of Islam’s distinct branches, sharing its foundational scripture and prophet.
First Fitna: The first major civil war among Muslims, fought from 656 to 661 after the murder of Caliph Uthman. The conflict and its aftermath set the political stage for groups from which Ibadism emerged.
Imamate in Ibadism: The Ibadi conception of community leadership, in which a qualified imam may be chosen by the community and is not necessarily from a hereditary line. Its model of leadership distinguishes Ibadi political thought from hereditary or lineage-based claims.
Oman: A country on the southeastern Arabian Peninsula with a long history of Ibadi religious and political institutions. Oman became the principal center of Ibadi community life and scholarship.
Azariqa: An early Kharijite movement known for strict doctrines and militant opposition to its opponents. Ibadis reject association with the Azariqa’s extreme positions and violence.
Sunni Islam: The largest branch of Islam, shaped by the Qur’an, the Prophet’s example, and communal scholarly traditions. Its history and institutions developed separately from Ibadism’s distinctive community traditions.
Battle of Siffin: A 657 battle between the forces of Caliph Ali and Muawiya during the First Fitna. The arbitration following this battle became a flashpoint for early dissenting movements.
Ibadi theology: The theological teachings developed in Ibadi communities concerning God, human responsibility, faith, and religious community. These teachings give Ibadism a distinctive account of belief and moral responsibility.
Ibadi imamate of Oman: A series of periods in which Omani rulers held the title of imam through forms of community selection and religious authority. These institutions gave the Ibadi imamate model a sustained political expression.
Najdat: An early Kharijite movement founded by Najda ibn Amir in the seventh century. Its doctrines and political history differ from the Ibadi tradition that survived as a distinct community.

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