The First Fitna was the first major civil war within the early Islamic community, occurring from 656 to 661 CE. It began after the assassination of the third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, leading to a power struggle over the leadership of the Muslim community. The conflict primarily involved supporters of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph, and those loyal to Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, the governor of Syria. The war included several key battles, such as the Battle of the Camel and the Battle of Siffin. Ultimately, the First Fitna ended with the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate under Muawiya, marking a significant shift in Islamic governance and leading to further divisions within the Muslim community.