Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What events led to the First Fitnah civil war?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Shiʿi
Shrine of ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib, Najaf, Iraq.
The First Fitnah (656–661 CE) was triggered by the assassination of the third caliph, ‘Uthmān, in 656 CE. His death created a power vacuum and a crisis of legitimacy that divided the early Muslim community.12
Key events leading to the civil war included:
- Opposition to ‘Uthmān: The caliph incurred significant dissent by favoring his own Meccan family, the Umayyads, in official appointments, which alienated many of Muhammad’s closest followers in Medina.1
- Succession Dispute: Following ‘Uthmān’s murder by Egyptian soldiers, ‘Alī—the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law—was proclaimed the fourth caliph. However, he faced immediate demands from Meccan leaders to avenge ‘Uthmān’s death, which he failed to fulfill to their satisfaction.12
- The Battle of the Camel: This conflict pitted ‘Alī against a coalition of prominent figures, including Muhammad’s widow ‘Ā’ishah and the Companions Talhah and Zubayr, marking the formal inauguration of the civil war.12
- Challenge from Syria: Mu‘āwiyah, the Umayyad governor of Syria, challenged ‘Alī’s authority, using the demand for vengeance for ‘Uthmān as a rallying cry to contest the caliphate.12