On Those Who Forced Ali b. Abi Talib to Accept the Arbitration

Abstract

The Battle of Sıffin, which is one of the major events in the period of strife, ended after the acceptance of the arbitration of the Qur’an by two sides. The arbitration of the Qur’an was suggested by the Syrians and Ali had to accept it unwillingly. It is commonly held that those who forced Ali to accept the arbitration were Kharijites, who, later, deserted him. However, when the early sources are scrutinized, it is evident that the arguments against the Kharijites are not well-documented and that Kharijites, from the beginning, were against the arbitration