What is the context in which the Hadith of Ibn 'Umar regarding the Khawarij was narrated, that they take verses of the Qur'an revealed concerning disbelievers and apply them to believers, and is it permissible to describe those who disagree as Khawarij?

Fatwa Summary: The statement by Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, regarding the Khawarij: "They applied verses revealed concerning disbelievers to believers," is authentic in its chain of transmission. Its reason is that the Khawarij were ignorant; they transgressed against the texts of the Sharia with their whims, misinterpreted the Quran, declared Muslims disbelievers for actions that are not grounds for disbelief, and shed their blood. They are also characterized by a strong will and audacity, which they used in oppression and aggression against Muslims.

It clarifies that scholars did not understand this statement as prohibiting the declaration of disbelief against those who deserve it, for declaring disbelief is a legal ruling. However, the difference between the Ahl al-Sunnah and the Khawarij lies in important matters: The Khawarij declare Muslims disbelievers for sins and for actions that are not sins, whereas the Ahl al-Sunnah do not declare disbelief for such actions. The Ahl al-Sunnah do not rule with disbelief except with clear evidence, and they differentiate between the ruling on a disbelief-related act and the ruling on its perpetrator, considering the presence of impediments such as ignorance and coercion.

It points out that it is common practice for scholars to use texts revealed concerning polytheists as evidence against Muslims who commit similar actions, and that warning against imitating polytheists is mentioned in the Sharia. In conclusion: Whoever adheres to the Sharia guidelines is far from the methodology of the Khawarij.