FOKUS: Jurnal Kajian Keislaman dan Kemasyarakatan
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): FOKUS

Ethics of Leadership and Political Crisis in the Caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Thalib: A Socio-Civilizational Perspective

Toedien, Faisal Amir (Unknown)
Syamruddin Nasution (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study examines the ethical dimensions of leadership and the political crises that occurred during the caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Thalib (656–661 CE) within the framework of early Islamic social history and civilization. The governance of Ali unfolded amid a profound crisis of legitimacy and communal disintegration following the assassination of Caliph Utsman bin Affan. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, integrating historical and sociological analysis of classical sources alongside contemporary studies, using a library-based research design.  The findings indicate that Ali’s leadership was rooted in principles of justice, knowledge, and high moral integrity. However, this political idealism frequently confronted a power landscape shaped by intrigue and competing interests. The Battles of Jamal and Shiffin, as well as the arbitration (taḥkim), illustrate how political conflict transformed into theological and social crises that contributed to the emergence of early Islamic sects such as the Khawarij, the Shi’a, and the Murjiʾah. These findings affirm that the leadership ethics of Ali ibn Abi Thalib represent an Islamic political vision grounded in justice, consultation, and the public welfare, while also offering moral insights for the development of contemporary Islamic leadership.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JF

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

FOKUS: Jurnal Kajian Keislaman dan Kemasyarakatan is a scientific journal that is managed and published by the Research institutions and community service of Institut Agama Islam Negeri (IAIN) Curup, Bengkulu, Indonesia in peer review. This journal is dedicated to publishing scientific articles on ...