The War Of Siffin

The War Of Siffin - Published by Bohra Shia Ithna Ashari Jamat

The War Of Siffin - Published by Bohra Shia Ithna Ashari Jamat

The War of Siffin, fought between 657 and 661 CE, was a pivotal conflict in the history of Islam. It was the first major battle between Muslims and marked a turning point in the political and religious landscape of the nascent Islamic empire.

Background:

After the assassination of Caliph Uthman in 656 CE, a power struggle ensued between his supporters and those who believed he had been killed unjustly. Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph, faced opposition from Mu'awiya ibn Abi Sufyan, the governor of Syria. Mu'awiya demanded justice for Uthman's murder and refused to recognize Ali's authority.

Outbreak of War:

Ali initially attempted to negotiate with Mu'awiya but failed. In 657 CE, the two armies met at Siffin, a plain near the Euphrates River. Ali's forces numbered around 80,000, while Mu'awiya commanded a slightly smaller army.

Battle of Siffin:

The Battle of Siffin lasted for 110 days and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. The fighting was fierce and indecisive, with neither side able to gain a clear advantage. During the battle, Ali's forces used a novel tactic known as "tahkim," or arbitration, to settle the dispute peacefully.

Arbitration and Its Aftermath:

Mu'awiya accepted Ali's proposal for arbitration, but the outcome was inconclusive. The two arbitrators failed to reach a verdict, and the war resumed. Ali's army was defeated at the Battle of Nahrawan in 658 CE, and Mu'awiya emerged as the victor.

Consequences:

The War of Siffin had profound consequences for the Islamic world:

* Political Division: The war led to the establishment of two rival caliphates: the Umayyad Caliphate in Damascus under Mu'awiya and the Rashidun Caliphate in Kufa under Ali.

* Religious Schism: The war also created a deep religious schism between the Sunnis, who supported Mu'awiya, and the Shi'a, who supported Ali.

* Weakening of the Caliphate: The war weakened the central authority of the caliphate and led to a period of political instability.

* Rise of Mu'awiya: Mu'awiya's victory established the Umayyad dynasty, which ruled over the Islamic empire for nearly a century.

Legacy:

The War of Siffin remains a significant event in Islamic history. It marked the beginning of a period of civil war and political strife that would shape the course of the Islamic world for centuries to come. The conflict also left a lasting impact on the relationship between the Sunnis and Shi'a, who continue to view the war from different perspectives.