An interesting fact that few people know: besides Sunnis and Shiites, there is a third, unique branch of Islam — Ibadis. Their history and principles are an example of a remarkable social and religious experiment for their time.
Unlike other sects, Ibadis (descendants of moderate Kharijites) managed to create a system that was centuries ahead of its time:
Power through elections, not inheritance.
Their leader (imam) could be any righteous Muslim, regardless of origin. He was elected by the community. In fact, this is one of the first forms of Islamic "democracy".
Expanded rights for women.
Ibadi women could be scholars, transmit hadiths, participate in public life and trade. Their status was noticeably higher than in most contemporary societies.
Moderation instead of radicalism.
Ibadis rejected extremes: they did not declare all sinners as "infidels" (takfir), but practiced "distancing". This allowed them to survive and establish themselves in Oman and North Africa, avoiding the fate of more radical groups.
Pragmatism in science and technology.
The Ibadi state in Oman has always been open to innovations — from navigation and astronomy in the Middle Ages to modern technologies. Science and progress are seen as tools for community development, as long as they do not contradict morality.
Why is this relevant today?
Ibadis are a living example that Islam is not monolithic. Within it, different models of society are possible: more open, moderate, and pragmatic. Their experience proves that it is possible to combine traditions with reasonable borrowings, religiosity with respect for human rights, and principles with political flexibility.
Their legacy — especially in modern Oman — proves that another path is possible. And it is worth studying.
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