Question:
What is your response to those who claim that the creed of the Kharijites (Khawarij) was a Salafi creed, and that they—the Kharijites—were Salafis?
Answer:
This is a false claim, and the Prophet ﷺ has already invalidated it by his statement regarding the Kharijites: “A group will renegade at a time of division among my Ummah. One of you would look down upon his own prayer compared to their prayer, and his own recitation compared to their recitation. They will pass through Islam just as an arrow passes through game. Wherever you meet them, kill them, for indeed in killing them there is a reward for whoever kills them.” 1
In another narration from the Prophet ﷺ, he said concerning the Kharijites: “They kill the people of Islam and leave the people of idols alone.” 2
It is well known from their creed that they [the Kharijites] declare Muslims who commit major sins to be disbelievers (takfir), and they rule that they will abide eternally in the Hellfire. Because of this, they fought Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and the Companions and others who were with him. Consequently, Ali fought them and defeated them at the Battle of Nahrawan—may Allah be pleased with him and with all of the Companions. And Allah is the Granter of success.