The Great Sedition, Part 1

Author's name: Taha Hussein

Describing it as the "Great Fitna" is not an exaggeration. The fitna, which began during the reign of the Rightly-Guided Caliph Uthman and extended throughout the caliphate of Ali and his descendants, nearly swept the Islamic state apart. It and its repercussions remain the subject of much study, having been addressed by many writers in an attempt to uncover the truth. Among the most prominent authors to address it is Taha Hussein, who, using his literary style, attempted to discuss one of the most serious and sensitive issues in Islamic history. The author sought to maintain a policy of "historical neutrality" between the two camps, free from any bias or prejudice, seeking to uncover the true causes behind the fitna that led to the murder of Uthman, relying on analyses of the reality of Islamic society at the time. As usual, his views sparked a wave of fierce criticism that continues to this day, while others praised him, viewing his approach and conclusions as fair and a pursuit of truth.