Beyond Appearances: The Dangers of Superficial Faith in Light of the Hadith of the Khawarij

Introduction

On the 9^th of Safar in 38 AH (658 CE), the Battle of Nahrawan was fought between Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and the Khawarij – a group known for their outward religiosity but inward deviation. In remembrance of this event, we reflect on a prophetic hadith that warns against shallow religious practice and emphasises the need for sincere, inner connection to faith.

عن النبيّ محمد صلى الله عليه وآله:

«إنَّ بَعدي مِن امَّتي أو سَيَكونُ بَعدي مِن امَّتي قَومٌ يَقرَؤونَ القُرآنَ لا يُجاوِزُ حَلاقيمَهُم، يَخرُجونَ مِنَ الدّينِ كَما يَخرُجُ السَّهمُ مِنَ الرَّمِيَّةِ، ثُمَّ لا يَعودونَ فيهِ. هُم شَرُّ الخَلقِ وَالخَليقَةِ».

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“After me, there will be people from my nation who will recite the Qur’an, but it will not go beyond their throats. They will leave the religion as an arrow leaves the prey. They will never return to it. They are the worst of creation.”

Educational messages of the hadith for teenagers and youth

1. Let Actions Reflect Your Faith

True belief should show in how you treat others and live your daily life.

Challenge: Apply one Qur’anic verse in your behaviour every day this week.

2. Don’t Be Misled by Appearances

Outer religiosity is meaningless without ethical and sincere conduct.

Challenge: Think of one time when someone’s actions didn’t match their religious image and reflect on what you learned.

3. Ask Real Questions About Faith

Growing in faith means thinking deeply, not just repeating what you hear.

Challenge: Ask one thoughtful religious question this week and seek a sincere answer from someone you trust.

4. Beware of False Confidence in Outward Piety

Outward religious practice can give a false sense of righteousness if not matched by true obedience.

Challenge: Reflect weekly on whether your actions truly align with the Qur’an.

5. Exiting the Path Can Happen Instantly

A single wrong word or decision can lead you away from faith in a moment.

Challenge: Before each major decision, pause and ask: Is this pleasing to God?

6. Returning Is Harder Than Staying Firm

It is easier to stay on the right path than to return after falling off.

Challenge: Establish one daily habit to help protect your faith from slipping.

7. Hypocrisy Is Worse Than Open Disbelief

Pretending to be religious while acting against faith is more harmful than not appearing religious at all.

Challenge: Identify one area where your image and actions don’t match; and correct it.

Educational messages of the hadith for parents

1. Teach the Meaning Behind Practices

Children understand religion better when they know why we do what we do.

Challenge: Choose one act of worship and explain its deeper purpose to your children.

2. Notice Empty Rituals Early

Ritual without understanding can grow into habit without heart.

Challenge: Ask your child what a verse or prayer means to them; and listen carefully.

3. Show Sincerity in Everyday Life

Your example teaches more than words ever can.

Challenge: Pick one moment this week to act with visible honesty or humility in front of your children.

Educational messages of the hadith for Imams and scholars

1. Speak to Hearts, Not Just Minds

Faith must be felt and lived; not only studied.

Challenge: Dedicate a part of your sermon to personal sincerity and spiritual depth.

2. Warn Against Superficial Piety

Religious appearance can hide dangerous thinking if not grounded in truth.

Challenge: Highlight one real-life example where shallow religiosity led to harm or division.

3. Promote Reflective Faith

Encourage the community to understand and question with wisdom.

Challenge: End your next lesson with one practical question the audience can take home and reflect on.