Ibadism

Ibadism (Arabic: الإباضية, romanized: al-ʾIbāḍiyya, Arabic pronunciation: [alʔibaːˈdˤijja]) is a distinct school of Islam and is commonly regarded as the third Islamic branch, alongside Sunni Islam and Shia Islam. Its roots go back to the Kharijite secession from Ali, the prophet Muhammad's cousin and son in law who was the first Shia Imam and the fourth Sunni Rashidun caliph. However, contemporary Ibadis generally reject the characterization of their faith as Kharijites. Ibadism emerged during the early centuries of Islam and developed from the political and theological disputes surrounding the First Fitna. The tradition is historically associated with the early Muhakkima movement. Ibadism is associated with Abdallah ibn Ibad, after whom the movement is named, while Jabir ibn Zayd is regarded as one of its most important early Ibadi scholars. The Ibadi movement developed in Basra before spreading to Oman, North Africa, and East Africa. Ibadism has its own distinctive theological and legal traditions, particularly concerning religious leadership, the nature of the Muslim community, and the qualifications required of an Imam. The followers of the Ibadi tradition are known as the Ibadis or, as they call themselves, "The People of Truth and Integrity." Ibadis are significantly less numerous than the two main Islamic denominations, Sunnis and Shias, which together account for nearly 100 percent of the global Muslim population. Ibadism remains understudied by outsiders, including both non-Muslims and Sunni and Shia Muslims.