Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2020 · Paper 21 · Question 4

Write a descriptive account of the Battle of Siffin and the arbitration that followed it.

The Battle of Siffin was fought in 657 between ‘Ali and Mu’awiya, the Governor of Syria. Both sides met at Siffin and offered to negotiate. When no compromise could be reached ‘Ali challenged Mu’awiya to settle their difference through single combat. Mu’awiya side stepped this dangerous invitation and single combats took place among their forces which proved indecisive. The actual Battle of Siffin began on 8th of Safar.

‘Ali led his army from the centre, surrounded by the men from Madina, the armies of Kufa and Basra formed the two side wings.

Fighting raged for three days and nights and a morning with a huge loss of life on both sides. By the fourth day it looked like ‘Ali would win the battle. At this critical time, a body of Syrian cavalry rode out between the battle lines with the Qur’an tied to the heads of their lances. Crying out ‘Let the word of Allah decide between us and you….’

‘Ali and his commanders feared this was a trick by Mu’awiya to delay imminent defeat and urged his men to continue the fight, but they refused and it was decided to settle the dispute through arbitration.

Arbitration took place. Abu Musa was selected to be the arbitrator from ‘Ali’s side and Amr ibn Al-Aas was chosen to arbitrate from Mu’awiya’s side. He had commanded one of the division from Mu’awiya’s side and had the secret assurance of being restored as Governor of Egypt for his support of Mu’awiya.

Details of the arbitration were drawn two days after the battle had stopped. It read that both parties would abide themselves by God’s word.

The disenchanted elements from the Kufa and Basra regiment bitterly opposed the arbitration and broke away from the main army and came to be called the Kharijis.

‘Ali treated them with compassion, reminded them that he had pleaded with them to continue the fight but it was their wish to support the Syrians that had led to the arbitration.

In January 658, the arbitrators met at Damut ul Jandal to announce as per their agreement that both ‘Ali and Mu’awiya should step down. Amr asked Abu Musa to make the announcement first which he did but when it came to his turn he back tracked and announced Mu’awiya as the caliph. The conference broke up and the Kharijis very upset with this outcome set up their own community in Nahrawan.

What in your opinion was the most serious outcome of the arbitration? Give reasons to support your answer.

The choice made by candidates needs to be supported with reasons. It could be said the disunity amongst the Muslims or the Kharijis forming their own community at Nahrawan led to yet another battle and the eventual martyrdom of ‘Ali.