Shurat

From Hobson's Choice

One of the three denominations of Islam. Initially, the distinction between Shi'a and Sunni Islam was over the succession to the caliphate, leading to a political conflict and civil war (656-661). The Shi'a demanded that the succession pass to a descendant of the late Prophet Muhammad, viz., Hazrat 'Alī. The Sunni demanded that the elders choose the successor by committee. When 'Ali accepted arbitration to end the civil war, a third group emerged, known as the Shurat ("Kharijites") who believed 'Ali had sinned by doing so.

Today, the only surviving group of Shurat are the Ibadhi of Oman.

See Also

Islam
Shi'a Islam
Sunni Islam