In this book, Dr. Taha Hussein continues his narrative of the events of the great schism that took place during those times. The political consequences of this schism still remain evident today. The division among Muslims became even more severe, and Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib took over the leadership under extraordinary circumstances. The schism was spreading throughout the Islamic world, and the blood of its leader was shed on those lands. Imam Ali faced many urgent tasks that could not be delayed. One of the most critical tasks was to punish those who killed Uthman. However, Imam Ali believed it was necessary to wait until he could establish his control over the state. Meanwhile, Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan and his supporters wanted to punish those who were responsible for the death of Uthman. This schism became the root cause of many disasters that have befallen Muslims today. It transformed the system of governance from one based on consultation to one based on inheritance. The Shiites—supporters of Ali ibn Abi Talib—and the Kharijites—those who opposed him—became political factions. Eventually, this issue became both social and religious in nature. But the most painful result of this schism is that many of the disasters that afflict Muslims today have their origins in that schism, whose roots continue to fester to this day.