Relating and Un-Relating: An Exploration of Contemporary Ibadi Tolerance Using Relational Doctrine, Pragmatism, and Khariji Roots
Abstract
In order to understand modern Ibadi Muslim tolerance, this paper examines their religious doctrine and history. Ultimately, I conclude that their emphasis on surviving as a righteous community led Ibadis to develop relational doctrines that could balance their need to maintain a homogeneous Ibadi group within a heterogeneous society. The paper begins with an investigation of their origin narrative as an offshoot movement of the Khawarij, a significant and controversial early Islamic movement. Following that I examine Ibadi relational doctrines and political history that is relevant to their modern religious tolerance. This paper concludes with an analysis of contemporary Ibadi religious tolerance using mostly government-published sources and my personal experiences in Oman.