Abu Hamza al-Shari and his sermon criticizing the people of Medina: A study and analysis

Abstract

        Abu Hamza al-Shari was one of the most prominent leaders and orators of the Kharijites. His sermon criticizing the people of Medina is a highly significant and controversial historical document, in which he leveled explicit accusations against them regarding their stance on the conflict between the Kharijites and the Umayyad authority. This study aims to verify the attribution of the sermon to Abu Hamza al-Shari and to understand his motivations for delivering it. This is achieved through an analysis of the historical sources that transmitted it and an examination of its content. The study concludes that the sermon is indeed authentic, confirming the existence of political dimensions behind its delivery and revealing the extent to which religious rhetoric was employed in political discourse at that time.