Political Divisions and Their Religious Reflections
The groups mentioned in the works of Abd al-Qadir al-Ghazali highlight the impact of political disagreements throughout Islamic history on religious interpretations. In particular, the way the conflict between Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and Muawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) was interpreted by different sides laid the groundwork for the emergence of sects that eventually deviated radically. Even sensitive issues such as the Arbitration have caused divisions, leading some groups to attribute disbelief to other companions, which has greatly harmed the unity of the Muslim community.
Various Interpretations of the Kharijites and Radical Doctrinal Understandings
The Kharijites, as detailed in al-Ghazali’s works, have divided into various subgroups that strayed from the fundamental principles of Islam. They include the Mechüliyye, who claimed that knowing Allah with certain names brings scholarship and faith; the Saltiyye, who argued that children of those accepted into Islam are not considered Muslim until they reach adulthood; and the Ahnesiyye, who permitted a religious leader’s slave to take from the zakat. These groups contain extraordinary and often controversial interpretations. Some of these groups have even reinterpreted fundamental Islamic practices, such as the Bid‘iyye’s assertion that prayer should be reduced to two rakats, morning and evening prayers only, thus completely deviating from the religion.
The Origins, Branches, and Doctrinal Orientations of Shiism
Al-Ghazali defines Shia as a movement that began with love for Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) but has since diverged into various interpretations. The different branches of Shia, such as Rafidites, Galiyyah, and Katiyyah, show significant differences in the degree of devotion to Hz. Ali and his descendants, and their perspective on other companions. In particular, the Galiyyah’s making excessive and baseless claims about Hz. Ali has led to a more radical form of Shiaism, which is one of the most controversial topics in Islamic history.