Bible Encyclopedias
Kharejites

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(or revolters), a Mohammedan sect, who originally withdrew from Ali, and maintain that the Imam need not be of the tribe of Koreish, nor even a freeman, provided he be just and qualified. They maintain, too, that if unfit he may be deposed, and that the office itself is not indispensable.