Readings on the Ibadhi Thought I

Translated by: Khalsa H. Al Aghbari Presented is a series of readings on the Ibadhi thought intended to encourage respected readers to study and reflect upon its crucial aspects so that they won’t be driven by any psychological motives or inherent influences which might hinder them from declaring and accepting the Truth.

Sheikh Ali Yahya Mu’mar (may Allah rest his soul in peace) says:

“Neither is the Ibadhi sect secretive nor are the fundamentals fleshing it out secretive or unknown. The followers of this sect don’t conceal themselves as they exclusively devote their life to the satisfaction and cause of Allah. They; thus, expect the reward to be granted from Allah alone. They base their deeds on the Truth as presented in the Qur’an and Sunnah.”

Ibadhi sect has spread truth, justice and straightness. It has also set an example of fairness and nobleness throughout history and will continue to do so by the will of Allah (SWT). This is because it gets its strength from Islam which is the chosen religion for humans as revealed to the prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). Ibadhi sect doesn’t diverge from the straight path and isn’t shrouded in legends. Unfortunately, some scholars who ultimately seek life exploit their religion by false interpretations and misrepresentations. Ibadhi sect hasn’t frozen by compulsive control of scholars over minds and bestowed faculties as it encourages Ijtihad (making effort). Ibadhis don’t restrict Islam to a certain group depriving others from savoring its beauty. They never hinder sciences from developing; they don’t obstruct doing research and seeking the Truth by claiming that Ijtihad is forbidden. Banning Ijtihad is done by those who wish to keep the “keys” of Ijtihad hidden secretly from researchers.

Ibadhi gets its strength from Islam as it keeps the original resources unscathed. As Moslems go back to the right path devoid of innovations, legendary, exaggeration and immobility which ignorant people associate with Islam, they will worship the true religion. This true religion fills life with mercy, justice, and nobleness which Ibadhi Moslems possess as their belief has assigned them a leader just like other sects. Their leader is none but the prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) whom they proudly emulate through their good deeds and intentions.

If Ibadhi Moslems accept historians and relate themselves to Abdullah Ibadh, then that doesn’t mean that they blindly follow others, adopt their sayings and elevate them to the level of God.  Ibadhi Moslems are very caution not to take religion except from those who are trustworthy in their behaviors and sayings.

Ibadhi Moslems don’t make individuals divine or a cornerstone for Truth. They don’t oblige imitating scholars or fallible humans whose path isn’t valid. They don’t follow whosoever is proven not to be on Mohammed’s true path since hadeeths (prophet’s sayings) testify only for true companions such as Ammar (to give an example)

Refuting a claim made by Al’qabi, the best of seekers of Truth says: “If you have accused Ibadhi people to be neglected as no Imam associates with them, they you are mistaken as the prophet is their model and Imam.

Ibadhi Moslems honor and respect a Moslem who adheres to the prophet’s traditions day and night without stray and as long as his knowledge and deeds are excerpted from the Holy Qur’an “Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) desire. It is no less that inspiration sent down to him.”

“You have a perfect model of decency and morality set by your prophet’s behavior.”

Based on this realistic overview, Ibadhi Moslems don’t overlook the fact that humans including scholars are fallible; their deeds and sayings couldn’t be the ultimate truth. Therefore, Ibadhi Moslems don’t imitate their scholars blindly; they validate and verify the credibility of what they say based on stark evidence from the Qur’an and Hadeeth. They don’t follow a person who adopts a certain view, rather they follow the original reference (obviously the prophet) of whose they destined themselves.

(Ibadhi Fi Mawkib al Tarikh) V. 1 p.p 5-7

Writer: Al Mansour

Resource: cultural section on the Arabic website of http://www.ibadhiyah.net