|
|
|
Uthman was assassinated by his own soldiers in 656, and was replaced by
Mohammed’s cousin Abu Talib. Abu Talib rose to power in 656 and many
Muslims resented his rule. Abu Talib
was not well supported he was criticized by the Umayyad’s for not avenging the
death of Uthman. While his main
supporters in Medina, believed that Uthman had it coming and that his death
should not be avenged. A civil war
broke out when former Uthman supporters; Aisha, one of Mohammed’s wives, along
with Talhah and Zubayr who were two important tribal leaders, attacked Abu
Talib. The five-year civil war was
known as the fitnah, the time of temptation, and ended when Abu Talib defeated
the rebellions at the Battle of the Camel.
Talhah and Zubayr were killed in the battle and Aisha was exiled to
Mecca.
After the defeat
of the rebels, Abu Talib did distribute the plunder but did not appoint any
governors of the conquered lands. Abu
Talib’s supporters felt that the lands that were formerly that rebels should go
to them and felt betrayal over Abu Talib’s decision. Talib did not condone the death of Uthman and some members of the
umma thought that he was obligated to condone the murder of Uthman. Muawiyyah had grown powerful as the governor
of Syria and had many supporters.
Uthman was a relative of his and Muawiyyah felt that his death had to be
avenged. Another civil war was brewing
and in 657 the Abu Talib and his supporters meet with Muawiyyah and his
supporters and neutral Muslims negotiated a settlement. Abu Talib would step down from power and
Muawiyyah would be the new caliph.
Go Back to Islam Home
Written by Alex Boyce, 2003