First Fitna

 

Fitna or sedition is a type of disagreement or division among people. It can create divisions among various groups. There are many references in the Holy Qur'a about fitna that warn the believers about their potential traps. One of these is the saying that "Sedition is harder than killing." This verse was not taken seriously even when Islam was still in its early stages.

After the life of the Prophet, Muslims were divided into two communities as to whom to be succeded. One group followed Ali, who they regarded as the embodiment of all things Islam, while the other followed a few prominent companions of the prophet, such as Uthman, Abu Bakar, and Umar.

The division between the two communities became more evident after the prophet passed away. One of the groups followed Ali which they considered pledged made by prophet on Dhul-Hijja 18, 10 A.H./March 19, 632 A.D. The title Commander of Faithful was given to him by the prophet after he was appointed as his successor at the time of the Ghadir Khumm.

The fitna of the Prophet's succession almost led to a violent conflict among Muslims. Ali did not want to go out and demand the implementation of the will of the prophet, preferring to submit his will to the God. During this period, Othman, Abu Bakr, and Al-Khattab ruled the Muslims state.

The division of Muslims into two major sects was one of the earliest fitnas that occurred during the course of the Islamic history. It will continue to have an effect on the the religion for a long time.