The Battle of Siffin

The Engagement: Events of Siffin

The Battle of Siffin unfolded on the banks of the Euphrates River, where the two armies clashed in a brutal and protracted engagement. Deploying strategic flair, Ali’s forces initially gained the upper hand. However, realizing defeat was imminent, Muawiya resorted to a controversial tactic—he ordered his soldiers to raise the Qurans on their spears, calling for arbitration and peace negotiations. This act not only stymied the conflict but also ignited debates over the role of governance and divine authority.

Following an arduous standoff, a treaty was negotiated at the end of the battle, although it ultimately sowed the seeds for further discord. The arbitration process would prove to be a flashpoint for ideological fragmentation, leading to the emergence of distinct theological interpretations between the Shia and Sunni communities.