ISLAM, SIRAT UL MUSTAQEEM

The Battle of Siffin in Islamic History — What Happened and Why The Battle of Siffin took place in 657 CE, 37 AH, on the banks of the Euphrates River in an area called Siffin, in present-day Syria.  Unlike the early battles of Islam that were fought against outside enemies, this was a conflict between Muslims. That’s why scholars treat it as a sensitive chapter and advise studying it with fairness and respect. * Why did it happen? * The background starts with the assassination of the third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan RA. His killing shook the entire Muslim community and left the state in a period of confusion. After that, people gave allegiance to Ali ibn Abi Talib RA as the fourth Caliph. But the question of how to deal with Uthman’s killers became the main issue. 1. * Justice for Uthman RA*      Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan RA was the governor of Syria and also a relative of Uthman RA. He insisted that the murderers should be arrested and punished immediately. ...

*Role of Abdullah ibn Saba During the Time of Hazrat Uthman (RA): What History Says* The caliphate of *Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan (RA)* was a time of big expansion for the Muslim world. From North Africa to Persia, new lands came under Islamic rule. With growth came new problems too — long distances to manage, new governors, and different tribes trying to find their place. In the middle of talking about this time, one name often comes up: *Abdullah ibn Saba*. Some books describe him as a main cause of the trouble. Other researchers say his role was much smaller than people think.   So what does history actually tell us? Let’s go through it in plain language. *Who was Abdullah ibn Saba?* According to many early Muslim history books, Abdullah ibn Saba was a man from Yemen. The reports say he was of Jewish background and later accepted Islam during Uthman’s time. These same reports say he traveled from city to city — Kufa, Basra, Egypt — talking to people, criticizing governors, and...