(iv) The Khawarij The Khawarij were more a political group than theological. They accepted the authority of Hazrat Abu Bakr (Rad.A) and Umar (Rad.A) but denounced Hazrat Usman Ali (Rad.A) and Mu’awiya (Rad.A). They said that the ”Hakam” (Arbitrator or Judge for the dispute between Hazrat Ali (Rad.A) and Mu’awiya) was agi»i..^ the principles of Islam. Only Allah had to be obeyed through the Holy Qur’an and not the Hakam. They also formulated a number of other beliefs as well. In the later period of Islamic history this group became almost extinct.
