The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said regarding the Khawarij (they were Muslims, then they became disbelievers)… the hadith. Is this major disbelief?

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. In a hadith narrated by al-Tirmidhi from Abu Umamah, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said regarding the Khawarij: “They were Muslims, then they became disbelievers.” The hadith.

The Shaykh:
Yes. He said regarding the Khawarij: “They were Muslims.” What does he say first?

The questioner:
A hadith narrated by al-Tirmidhi from Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said regarding the Khawarij: “They were Muslims, then they became disbelievers.” The hadith. Is the intent that they are disbelievers in major disbelief or minor disbelief?

The Shaykh:
By Allah, this requires examining the hadith and its explanation by the scholars, but the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) informed that the Khawarij will emerge from the religion; this is in the authentic collections: He informed, then they will not return to it. He (peace and blessings be upon him) informed about them thus. Allah knows best. In any case, they are shadows, darkness, and they harm Islam and the Muslims without doubt. They consider the prohibitions of Allah permissible. All these defects are in them. They break the staff of obedience and divide the community. All of this is part of their methodology. Yes.