Rafida

Rāfiḍah (Template:Lang-ar, /rɑːfid̪ˤa/; pl. rawāfiḍ) is a collective noun which means "turncoats", "defectors", "dissenters", or "deserters". The word is derived from the Arabic verb root ر ف ض, which can mean "to reject". It is an Islamic term which refers in a derogatory way to those who, in the opinion of the person using the term, reject legitimate Islamic authority and leadership.

Usage

It is used by Hanbali Sunni, as a pejorative term for Shī‘ah Muslims, who were considered "refusers" because they refused to give allegiance to Abu Bakr, or refused to recognize the authority of Sunni caliphs.

See also

• Succession to Muhammad
• Nasibi
• Words to denote religious opponents