When is a man considered one of the Khawarij?

Question:
The questioner says: When is a man called one of the Khawarij? Is he considered one of them if he does one of their characteristics, or must he believe in and perform all of their actions?

Answer:
Whoever performs the actions of the Khawarij and speaks with their words is considered one of the Khawarij. The Khawarij are those who rise up against the Imam of the Muslims and break the bond of obedience. So, whoever holds this belief or acts upon it with the Imam of the Muslims is one of the Khawarij. Likewise, whoever declares Muslims to be disbelievers for major sins other than shirk (associating partners with Allah) is following the doctrine of the Khawarij. So, whoever declares a Muslim to be a disbeliever for a sin other than shirk is considered one of the Khawarij. This is the doctrine of the Khawarij. We ask Allah for safety from this.
This matter requires that a person study the correct creed and gain knowledge of the religion of Allah, and avoid the corrupt groups and the innovating groups. He should not read their books if he is not established in knowledge and aware of the truth. He must study the correct creed from the people of knowledge and reflect upon it so that he does not fall into these pitfalls.