The Islamic History Podcast

After defeating Aisha at the Battle of the Camel, Ali held most of the Islamic Empire. The only holdout, was Muawiyyah, the powerful governor of Syria.

Talhah and Zubair pledged allegiance to Ali ibn Abi Talib on the condition that he find and punish those responsible for murdering Uthman. But after several months, not much progress had been made.

Ali’s Caliphate was already in trouble.
The Umayyah clan was suspicious of him. Muawiyyah refused to acknowledge his leadership. There were gangs of bandits were roaming through Medina. And many companions refused to support him.

For several years, there had been a low level of discontent in the Muslim empire. While most of the inhabitants were happy, there were a significant number who were not.

Many people mark the beginning of Uthman’s troubles with the loss of the Prophet’s rings.
But things really got bad for Uthman when he lost the support of the esteemed companion, Ammar ibn Yasir.

One of the most troublesome spots in the Muslim world was the Iraqi city of Kufah. The people were fickle, restless, and never satisfied with their governor. Uthman had to change their governor no less than three times.

Uthman has been accused of often appointing his family members to high positions. And in many instances that was true.

Uthman Ibn Affan has always been compared to others. Both during his lifetime and after, he has been compared to the Caliph that came before him and the one that would come after him.

The assassination of Umar ibn al-Khattab and the election of Uthman ibn Affan.