10 E. C. Eoss — Tenets of the Ibadhi Sect of 'Omdn. [Jan. 



The Ibadhis renounce the false teaching of those who hold that Mus- 

 lims who commit mortal sins, are to be accounted neither as believers nor 

 yet infidels (but in a middle state), and that God will punish this class of 

 sinners otherwise than infidels are punished.* 



The Ibadhi sect oppose their false teaching who say that God is not 

 the author of their actions, but that they themselves originate them, and 

 that God does not guide the believers, nor distinguish them by his guiding 

 mercy ; but that guidance to truth and wandering to error are alike op- 

 tional, to choose which they will, and that God willeth not the actions of 

 his servants, but that they are free to act in opposition to his will. These 

 are the heresies of the Kadiriyeh and Mu'tazileh and the like. 



It is heresy to assert that God compels his servants to acts of obedi- 

 ence or sin. It is also heresy to assert that God knoweth not all things 

 before they happen, such are the tenets of the Jahmiyeh and the like, which 

 must be avoided. It is needful to renounce and be clear of all who reject 

 the Muslims and scoff at their religion. Also to renounce all who do not 

 take the part of the Muslimsf and who do not acknowledge the true 

 " Imam," J or who fail to aid those who do the right whether laid down or 

 not. 



The foregoing are the laws and ordinances handed down to us by the 

 just one from another. We do not impose our religion on children of 

 perdition. We do not submit to the guidance of the worldly. We have 

 not derived our belief from the foolish and ignorant. 



We have heard the Lord of mankind say in his perspicuous book : — 

 " All ye who believe, fear God, and be with the just. Take no part 

 with the licentious who work iniquity on earth and prosper not." 



We follow the just whose truth is known, and whose justice is renowned ; 

 who are of excellent conduct and knowledge, the righteous, pious, and 

 immaculate, excelling in wisdom and nobleness, in probity and integrity : 

 in meekness and humility ; who earnestly attend to religious duties and 

 observances, who are in the odour of religious learning, who have made 

 religion manifest to mankind, cleansed it of the impure, and handed it 

 down from generation to generation. We have followed the right with 

 truthfulness and found it the most excellent path. 



We announce salvation to those who follow the truth ; and woe and 

 ruin to those who swerve from it. To the latter we promise perdition and 

 rejection on the day of judgment ; and we seek direction of Almighty 

 God, and I ask forgiveness of Him and repent of all my sins. God bless 



* The orthodox hold such persons not to be infidels. The Kharijites considered 

 them infidels. The sect of Mu'tazilites arose holding the middle view, 

 f Meaning the I badhiy eh. 

 J Imam of the Ibadhiyeh. 



