the rest of the Kharijites—they have passed this doctrine down from generation to generation, in both the past and the present; they rebel against rulers and governors and deem the killing of Muslims lawful. The first of their ilk to emerge during the lifetime of Allah’s Messenger—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—was a man who criticized Allah’s Messenger—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—while he was distributing the spoils of war. He said, “Be just, O Muhammad, for I do not see you acting justly.” He—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—replied, “Woe to you! Who, then, would be just if I were not just?” Umar—may Allah be pleased with him—wanted to kill him, but the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—prevented him from doing so and stated: “This man and some companions of his are such that each of you would deem his own prayer insignificant beside theirs and his own fasting insignificant beside theirs. They will pass out of