HISTORY OF ISLAM 7th Century Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

HISTORY OF ISLAM 7th Century - Essay Example Central to these developments was the conflict between Ali ibn Abi Talib and Mu’awiya. This paper will explore this chapter in Islamic history – outline the dynamic of such conflict and identify its effects. Because there is no formal hierarchy in place, issues of succession to the Islamic leadership ensues upon the death of a caliph, Muhammad’s successors. During the onset of the 7th century trouble started when the third caliph, Uthman, was murdered. Ali succeeded him, being the closest to the Prophet since he was a first cousin and a son-in-law to Muhammad. Uthman’s clan, called the Umayyads vowed revenge and would later support its own candidate to the Caliphate, which is Mu’awiya. One of Ali’s first edicts as the Islamic ruler was to replace all of Uthman’s appointees, particularly the governors - most of whom were Uthman’s kin. Mu’awiya was immediately covered by this decree as he was the governor of Syria. This factor along with Ali’s refusal to investigate and produce Uthman’s murderer led Mu’awiya to question the legitimacy of Ali’s rule. As a result, civil war broke between Ali and Mu’awiyaâ₠¬â„¢s forces. A first-hand account of this conflict was recorded by Sebeos, a 7th century bishop of Armenia. To quote: Now God sent a disturbance amongst the armies of the sons of Ismael, and their unity was split. They fell into mutual conflict and divided into four sections. One part [was composed of] those in the direction of India; one part, those who occupied Asorestan and the north; one part, those in Egypt and in the regions of the T’etalk; one part in the territory of the Arabs and the place called Askarawn†¦ The prince who was in the region of Asorestan, their prince called Muawiya†¦ When he saw what had occurred, he brought together his troops†¦ slew that other king whom they had installed, waged war with the army in the region of the Arabs, and inflicted great slaughter on them (Sebeos 154). Sebeos historical commentary