Editing 656 (section)

==== Arabian Empire ====
* [[First Fitna|First Islamic Civil War]]: An armed revolt erupts in [[Diocese of Egypt (Late Antiquity)|Egypt]]; several [[Muslim]] sympathisers travel to [[Medina]] to rally support, beginning the ''[[fitna (word)|fitna]]'' (literally meaning the 'trail of faith'). The [[Early Muslim conquests|Muslim expansion]] comes to a halt as the martial energies of the [[Islam]]ic forces are directed inwards.{{sfn|Nicolle|2009|p=62}}
* [[June 17]] &ndash; [[Uthman ibn Affan]] is murdered at Medina after an 11-year reign.{{sfn|Madelung|1998|p=135 n.}} He is succeeded by [[Muhammad]]'s cousin and son-in-law [[Ali|Ali ibn Abi-Talib]], who becomes the fourth [[caliph]] of the [[Rashidun Caliphate]]. He makes [[Kufa]]h ([[Iraq]]) his capital, but the succession is disputed.
* [[December 8]] &ndash; [[Battle of the Camel]]: Rebel [[Arab Muslims|Arabs]] under [[Aisha]] (widow of Muhammad) begin a revolt against Ali. They are defeated at [[Basra]], and Aisha is exiled to Medina. During the battle 10,000 people lose their lives, with each party bearing equal loss.{{sfn|Muir|1898|loc=Chapter&nbsp;Chapter&nbsp;XXXV, "Battle of the Camel"|p=250}}
* [[Abdullah ibn Saad|Abdullah ibn Sa'ad]], governor of [[Upper Egypt]], dies after a 12-year regime in which he has defeated neighboring [[Nubia]].