On the pretext of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oman, the discussion has once again started on that Islamic stream, which is neither Sunni nor Shia, it is called Ibadi Islam. A large part of Oman’s population belongs to this sect and this is the reason why without understanding Ibadiyya it is difficult to fully understand the society, politics and religious environment of Oman.
Let us know what is Ibadi Islam, how did it originate, what is its ideology, how deep is its relationship with Oman? In how many countries of the world does it have its supporters?
What is Ibadi Islam?
Ibadi Islam is an independent Islamic sect separate from both Sunni and Shia. Ibadis consider themselves neither Sunni nor Shia. They simply call themselves Muslims or Ibadis and believe that they are closer to the pure Islam of the early period. The Ibadi sect is often described as centrist in thought and practice. They are neither over-political, nor merely spiritual; Rather, along with religious principles, they emphasize practicality in society and governance.
Taqwa (piousness), justice, accountability and community solidarity are considered central values in Ibadi Islam. They believe that the legitimacy of a Muslim ruler is not determined by his lineage, but by his justice, honesty and adherence to Islamic principles.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque built in Muscat, Oman.
How old is Ibadi Islam?
The ideological roots of Ibadiyat were laid in the first century Hijri (7th century AD) of Islam. The organized Ibadi community and its fiqhi tradition became more evident in the 8th-9th century. In North Africa and Oman, the Ibadi Imamats ruled in different forms for several hundred years, sometimes at the local level, sometimes over a wide area. Thus, the tradition of Ibadi Islam can be considered to be approximately 1300-1400 years old, which is associated with the early period of Islamic history.
Ibadi Islam has its roots in the early political struggles of Islam, particularly during the time of the fourth Caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib. When the path of mediation was adopted after the battle of Siffin (7th century) between Caliph Ali and the Syrian governor Muawiya, some people in Ali’s army considered it against the orders of Allah. One of these groups was called Khariji i.e. those who came out of the main stream.
Historians believe that the roots of Ibadiyat lie in the Kharijite movement, but Ibadis do not consider themselves real Kharijites. They believe that they were alienated from the extreme violence and harshness that gave the Kharizi a very negative image. Therefore Ibadiyat is often seen as a moderate, balanced and reformist branch of the Kharijite tradition. The name of the Ibadi sect is associated with the 7th century scholar Abdullah Ibn Ibad.
He was among those who initially raised his voice against political injustice and dictatorship, but later adopted a different path from the most extreme rejectionist currents. He advocated a society in which the legitimacy of the ruler would be determined by his Quranic values and love of justice, and not by a particular family or tribe.
Ibadis consider themselves neither Sunni nor Shia.
Ibadi political views, imamate and rulership terms
In Ibadi Islam, governance and politics are not just considered a worldly matter but a religious responsibility. Ibadis believe that the leadership of the Muslim community should be in the hands of the Imam. Imam can be any Muslim who meets the criteria of religious knowledge, love of justice and leadership ability. It is not necessary that he be from any particular race or Quraysh clan.
The Imam should, ideally, be selected through shura (consultation) of the community. If an Imam or ruler becomes unjust, deviates from Islamic principles or starts committing atrocities, then in Ibadi thought he can be removed. This idea distinguishes him from Sunni sects that almost always dislike rebellion against the ruler in the name of stability, and from those that link the ruler’s legitimacy to dynasty.
The early Kharijites easily called common Muslims as infidels, but the Ibadi sect is relatively soft. They use concepts such as kufr-e-naimat (behavior that denies God’s blessings) for erring Muslims, but generally emphasize the unity of the ummah.
The Ibadi sect is said to be centrist in thought and practice.
Religious practices and beliefs
In some respects the worship of Ibadi Muslims resembles that of Sunnis, but there are many subtle differences. Five times a day prayers, fasting, Zakat, Hajj, all these are basically the same in worship as in Sunnism. But differences are seen in some technical aspects of Namaz, such as the way of tying hands, reciting Dua-Kunoot, or the conditions of Jumma Namaz. Ibadi scholars are considered quite strict in the selection of hadith and have developed their own tradition, which is neither completely Sunni nor Shia. They value reason (Ijtihad) and consultation (Shura) and this is why they adopt a relatively flexible approach in many social and legal matters.
They agree with other Muslims on the basic beliefs of Islam like Tawheed, Prophethood and Hereafter.But on the relationship between faith and deeds, he emphasizes that true faith is accomplished only through good deeds, mere verbal confession is not enough.
Oman is the largest center of Ibadi Islam.
In today’s times, if any one country can be called the strongest stronghold of Ibadi Islam, then it is Oman. The vast majority of Oman’s population is Ibadi, although both Sunni and Shia communities are also present there. This religious structure gives a special balance to the society of Oman, where Ibadis are the majority, but the tradition of coexistence with other streams also runs deep.
In history, Oman was once ruled by the Ibadi Imamate, where imams were selected on the advice of the community’s scholars and tribal representatives. Over time the political structure changed and in the modern era Oman developed into a Sultanate. Despite this, many elements of Ibadi ideology such as consultation, local autonomy, mediation and social reconciliation remained in Oman’s political culture. Oman’s foreign policy is often considered neutral, dialogue-oriented and based on reconciliation, whether it is the differences between the Gulf countries or the Iran-Saudi Arabia dispute.
Where else in the world are Ibadi Muslims?
The largest number of Ibadi Muslims is in Oman, but this sect is not limited to Oman only.Ibadi settlements have existed in the Mzab valley region of Algeria for centuries. The Ibadi community in cities like Ghardaiya is known for its religious teachings, mosques and unique architecture. There is also an Ibadi population on the island of Djerba in Tunisia, where their mosques and religious schools are found.
There has also been an Ibadi community in the Jabal Nafusa mountainous region of Libya, which has historically preserved its distinct identity and tradition. Due to Oman’s maritime trade and naval history, Ibadiyat reached East Africa. Ibadi influence was once very strong, especially in Zanzibar and its surrounding areas. Today the Ibadi community exists there as a small but historically important group. Small Ibadi populations are also found in some other parts of the Gulf and in Europe and other regions through expatriate communities, but they are not very large in numbers.
Importance of Ibadi Islam in today’s times
The world often thinks of Islam simply as divided into Sunni and Shia, but Ibadi Islam reminds us that there are other beliefs and traditions within the Islamic world. At a time when religious extremism and narrow interpretations fuel conflict, Ibadiyat exemplifies a model that combines principles with pragmatism, justice with tolerance and identity with co-existence. When top leaders of India visit Oman, it is not just diplomatic or business discussions that take place, but also the strengthening of bridges of understanding between two extremely diverse societies. Understanding Ibadi Islam deepens this bridge, as it provides a better understanding of Oman’s social sensitivities, religious thinking and political culture.
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