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Events on Wednesday 18 June 656 1
656Ali ibn Abi Talib becomes fourth caliphSucceeds Uthman amid the outbreak of civil warFollowing the assassination of Uthman ibn Affan, Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, was proclaimed caliph in Medina. His accession was contested by several prominent companions, setting the stage for open conflict later that year.