First Fitna

The First Fitna was the first civil war within the Muslim community, which began after the murder of the third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, by rebels from Egypt and Iraq who had complained about his rule. Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, was chosen as caliph, but was challenged by those who demanded justice for Uthman's death, including Aisha, Talha and Zubayr, who were defeated at the Battle of the Camel. Muawiya, the governor of Syria, then opposed him at Siffin, and an arbitration agreed to after the battle split Ali's supporters, leading to the Kharijite movement. Ali was assassinated by a Kharijite, and Muawiya became caliph, founding the Umayyad dynasty. The conflict created the lasting division between Sunni and Shia Islam.

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