Baghi (Islam)

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Baghi (Arabic: بغيُ) means transgression or oppression—acting unjustly against the rights of others. It also refers to rebellion or armed uprising against a legitimate Imam or Islamic ruler.

Two forms in Iran’s Islamic Penal Code:
- Armed uprising using weapons against the state.
- Possessing weapons to instill fear without actual fighting.
Punishment: those who use weapons against the Islamic Republic can face execution; in some cases, imprisonment (ta'zir).

Origins and meanings:
- The term appears in early Islamic history. The Prophet Muhammad used it to describe the killers of Ammar ibn Yasir; Ammar died in the Battle of Siffin.
- The Quran (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:9) says when two groups of believers fight, they should make peace; fight the oppressor until they submit to Allah; if they submit, reconcile with justice.
- Muslim scholars interpret this as fighting oppression and injustice.

Historical rulings and practice:
- During the first major civil conflict (the First Fitna), Ali’s leadership helped develop rulings on rebellion within the Muslim community (Ahkam al-Bughat).
- In the Battle of the Camel, Ali ordered humane treatment: wounded and captives were not to be killed, those who laid down their weapons were not pursued, and women and children were protected. Only the enemy’s arms and equipment could be taken as booty; the property of the deceased returned to heirs.

Definitions in Islamic sources:
- Al-Mufradat fi Gharib defines baghi as transgression beyond proper limits and arrogance.
- Al-Raghib al-Isfahani describes baghi as two types: a praiseworthy excess (going beyond duty to help others) and a blameworthy excess (moving from truth to falsehood).
- Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai explains baghi as oppression and unjust transgression without right.
- Jurists generally define baghi as armed rebellion against an Imam or Islamic ruler. Some Twelver scholars limit it to rebellion against an infallible Imam; most include opposition to the Imam’s deputy.
- Ja'far Kashif al-Ghita says anyone who rebels against the Imam or his deputy or opposes him in zakat, khums, or other duties is a baghi.

Khawarij view:
- Abdul Karim al-Khudair notes they do not declare all leaders unbelievers; they see rebels as wrongdoers who must be fought until they return to correct conduct.

Iranian law today:
- The 2013 Islamic Penal Code treats armed rebellion against the government and the state’s foundations as a hudud offense under the label baghi.
- Articles 287 and 288 specify punishment: execution, or ta'zir imprisonment under certain conditions.