"This book explains the historical origins of the Ibāḍīs, one of the earliest schools of thought among the Sunnī Muslims, mostly concentrated in Oman, with smaller communities in Libya, Algeria and other parts of North Africa. It sets out the doctrines of the Ibāḍīs, albeit doctrines whlich are mostly insignificant variations from the mainstream of the Sunnī Muslim creed and practices. The author recounts in detail how and why the error became established that the Ibāḍīs are an offshoot of the heretical group known as the Khawārij. In fact, the Ibāḍīs have had no more in common with the Khawārij than Wahhābīs or any other group among the Sunnīs who might be called a sect. However, as a result of that error, the Ibāḍīs have been widely misunderstood, sometimes even shunned, by their fellow Sunnīs. This book removes the shadows that have so unjustly distorted the image of Ibāḍīs by shining the light of objective historical inquiry into the corners where ignorance and prejudice lurk together, making people afraid to know and face the reality. Through this book, the reader will discover who the Ibāḍīs were, what they have stood for over the centuries, how they have lived, and the purpose and operation of institutions special to them (such as the 'Azzābah). While good scholarship is always a blessing, this work has the added benefit at this juncture, when Muslims are facing the gravest threat in their history, of enabling understanding and tolerance and thereby strenghthening the unity and solidarity of Muslims in the face of the enemies of Islam"--Publisher's description, pasted on inside front cover of vol. 1.