First Fitna

The First Fitna (Arabic: الفتنة الأولى) was the first major civil war in the history of Islam, fought between 656 and 661 CE. It began after the assassination of Caliph Uthman ibn Affan and was centered on the rightful claim of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Supporters of Ali saw him as the only legitimate leader of the Muslim community, while his opponents challenged his authority.Wilferd Madelung, The Succession to Muhammad: A Study of the Early Caliphate, Cambridge University Press, 1997, pp. 155–160.Hugh Kennedy, The Prophet and the Age of the Caliphates, Routledge, 2016, pp. 82–90.  

 Background 
Ali was chosen as caliph in 656 after Uthman’s death. Many Muslims believed Ali was the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad from the beginning, because of his close family ties and his reputation for justice and knowledge. His rule was immediately opposed by groups who had benefited under Uthman, especially members of the Umayyad family. Ali’s supporters emphasized his legitimacy as the first male to accept Islam and his role as the Prophet’s companion and son-in-law.Jonathan A.C. Brown, The Early Islamic Empire, Oxford University Press, 2014, pp. 45–47.  

 War 
The war began with the Battle of the Camel in 656, where Ali’s forces defeated the army led by Aisha, Talha, and Zubair near Basra. In 657, Ali fought against Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan at the Battle of Siffin. Although Ali’s army was stronger, arbitration was forced upon him, weakening his position. In 658, Ali fought the radical Kharijites at the Battle of Nahrawan and Defeating them.  

 Death of Ali 
In 661, Ali was assassinated in Kufa by a Kharijite. His death marked the end of the First Fitna. Ali’s supporters, later known as Shi‘a, continued to uphold his family as the rightful leaders of the Muslim community. The Umayyads, led by Muawiya, established their dynasty after Ali’s death, but many Muslims saw this as a betrayal of the Prophet’s family.Farhad Daftary, A Short History of the Ismailis, Edinburgh University Press, 1998, pp. 12–15.  

 Legacy 
The First Fitna was not only a political struggle but also a defining moment in Islamic history. For Ali’s followers, it proved his rightful claim and his martyrdom for justice. The conflict created the division between Sunni and Shia Islam, with Shia Muslims continuing to honor Ali as the first Imam and the true successor of the Prophet Muhammad.Madelung, Succession to Muhammad, pp. 175–180.  

 References 

Category:Ali
Category:First Fitna
Category:7th-century conflicts
Category:History of Islam