The Great Fitnah Part 2: Ali and his sons

Imam Ali bin Abi Talib took over the caliphate under exceptional circumstances; as fitna (sedition) was raging in the lands of Islam, and the blood of his caliphate had been shed on its soil. Ali faced many great tasks that could not be delayed, among the most dangerous of which was retribution for the killers of Othman. However, Imam Ali saw the necessity of waiting until he established control over the state, while Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan and his followers wanted quick retribution. That was the head of the fitna, which claimed the lives of the best Muslims, and turned the system of governance from Shura (consultation) to inheritance. The Shia — supporters of Ali bin Abi Talib — and the Kharijites — his opponents — appeared as political parties before taking on a social and religious appearance. But the most painful result is that many of the calamities currently afflicting Muslims trace their roots back to that fitna, whose embers remain burning to this day. Author: Taha Hussein Poetry collection: Diwan