
Fourth caliph, cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad.
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Ali defeated a coalition led by Aisha, Talha, and Zubayr near Basra. The battle, named after Aisha's camel, was the first major conflict between Muslims. It resulted in the deaths of many prominent Companions and deepened the rift in the community.
Ali ibn Abi Talib became the fourth caliph after Uthman's assassination. His reign was marked by internal conflicts, including the Battle of the Camel and the Battle of Siffin, as he struggled to assert authority over a divided Muslim community.
Ali's forces fought Muawiyah's army at Siffin in Syria. The battle ended in a stalemate when Muawiyah's troops raised copies of the Quran, calling for arbitration. Ali agreed, leading to a split among his supporters and the emergence of the Kharijites.
The arbitration between Ali and Muawiyah at Adhruh resulted in a decision that undermined Ali's claim to the caliphate. The outcome alienated many of Ali's supporters, leading to the Kharijite rebellion and weakening his position.
Ali was assassinated by a Kharijite named Ibn Muljam while praying at the mosque in Kufa. His death ended the Rashidun Caliphate and led to the establishment of the Umayyad dynasty under Muawiyah, cementing the Sunni-Shia split.
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