How are groups who revolt against the established Imam classified based on their motive and strength?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Fighting Rebellious Groups

Book 49 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Revolters against the Imam's authority fall into four categories. First, those who refuse obedience without any interpretive justification are considered highway robbers (Qutta' al-Tariq) seeking corruption in the land, whose ruling is addressed separately. Second, small groups acting upon some interpretation without significant military strength (like one, two, or ten individuals) are judged as highway robbers according to the majority of our scholars, including the position of Al-Shafi'i, because the act of Ibn Muljam did not establish the ruling of Būghāt for him, preventing the undue loss of guarantees for damages caused. Third, the Khawarij who declare Muslims who commit sins as disbelievers, curse the Companions, and permit Muslim blood and wealth. The apparent view of later jurists is that they are Būghāt subject to their rulings, which is the view of Abu Hanifa, Al-Shafi'i, and the majority of jurists and Hadith scholars. Fourth, groups of the people of truth who revolt against the Imam based on a plausible interpretation, possessing strength requiring an army to subdue; these are the true Būghāt whose ruling is detailed herein. It is obligatory for the populace to assist the Imam against them to prevent widespread corruption.

Supporting text

A differing opinion concerning the small group (second category) suggests no distinction between the large and small numbers; they are treated as Būghāt if they depart from the Imam's control, as stated by Abu Bakr.