home. A civil war erupted over who should suc-
ceed him as caliph. Thus, Uthman’s death marked
an important turning point in Islamic history, as it
signalled the beginning of open conflict within the
Islamic community.
See also companions oF the prophet.
Kate O’Halloran
Further reading: Hugh Kennedy, The Prophet and the
Age of the Caliphates (London: Longman, 1985); Wil-
ferd Madelung, The Succession to Muhammad: A Study of
the Early Caliphate (Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 1997).
Uzbekistan See central asia and the
caucasus.
Uzza, al- See goddess.
Uzza, al- 701 J