SECOND FITNA Meaning and
Definition
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The Second Fitna was a major internal conflict that occurred within the Islamic Caliphate during the early 7th century. The term "Second Fitna" refers to a period of intense political and religious turmoil that unfolded following the assassination of the third caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate, Uthman ibn Affan, in 656 CE. This fitna (meaning "strife" or "civil war") divided the Muslim community into factions, leading to violent clashes and power struggles for the caliphate.
The Second Fitna was primarily a struggle for political supremacy and the caliphate amongst different factions within the Muslim community. It involved forces loyal to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, and those supporting the governor of Syria, Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan. This divide between the supporters of Ali and Muawiyah became the defining feature of the conflict.
The Second Fitna led to widespread bloodshed, including the Battle of the Camel in 656 CE, where forces loyal to Ali fought against those who opposed him. This fitna ultimately resulted in the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate with Muawiyah as the first Umayyad caliph in 661 CE. The consequences of the Second Fitna were far-reaching, as it not only shaped the future course of Islamic history but also laid the groundwork for ideological and sectarian divisions within the faith.
Overall, the Second Fitna refers to a turbulent episode in early Islamic history characterized by political and religious strife, power struggles, and violent conflicts, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate.
Etymology of SECOND FITNA
The word "fitna" is an Arabic term that signifies turmoil, unrest, or dissension. It is often used in Islamic history to describe periods of civil strife or infighting within the Muslim community. The "second fitna" specifically refers to the second major internal conflict that occurred within the early Muslim caliphate.
The events that led to the second fitna began in 680 CE with the assassination of the caliph Uthman ibn Affan. This led to a power struggle for the caliphate between different factions within the Muslim community. The term "second fitna" was likely used retrospectively by historians to differentiate this period of conflict from the earlier "first fitna" that occurred after the death of the Prophet Muhammad.
Etymologically, the word "fitna" is derived from the Arabic root word "fatana", which means to test, purify, or separate.
