← Explore on the interactive map

Assassination of Uthman

Type Event Region West Asia Time 656

In 656 CE, the Rashidun Caliph Uthman ibn Affan was besieged and assassinated in Medina by rebels dissatisfied with his rule.

Timeline

  1. 656Medina · HejazPetitioners from Egypt, Kufa, Basra, and elsewhere arrived in Medina, accusing Uthman of nepotism and mismanaging fiscal and religious policies, demanding reform or abdication; the situation rapidly escalated.
  2. 656Medina · HejazRebels surrounded Uthman's residence, cutting off water and aid. Uthman refused to suppress them by force or flee, insisting on remaining in office; mediation by Ali and other key figures failed, and the capital fell into stalemate.
  3. 656Medina · HejazRebels broke into the residence, and Uthman was killed while reciting the Quran. The rule of the third caliph ended, and the succession crisis along with vengeance and legitimacy disputes immediately swept the governorates, opening the First Islamic Fitna.

Sources