Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) has explained in great detail regarding the outset of dissension that began during the era of Hazrat Uthman’s (ra) Khilafat and the factors that led to it. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:
“Both of these noble men [i.e. Hazrat Uthman (ra) and Hazrat Ali (ra)] were among the first devotees of Islam. Their companions are also from among the best fruits of Islam. For a charge to be levelled against their honesty and virtue is, in reality, a disgrace upon Islam. Any Muslim who sincerely ponders over this fact will definitely reach the conclusion that in actuality, these people are above and beyond all kinds of partiality. This statement is not without foundation; rather, the pages of history are a testimony to this very fact for anyone who examines them with open eyes.
“As far as my research is concerned, whatever is alleged against these noble men and their friends is the work of the opponents of Islam. After the era of the Companions (ra), various so-called Muslims, driven by their egos, have levelled allegations upon either one or the other, from among these noble men. However, despite this the truth has always prevailed and has never remained veiled in secrecy.”
(Islam Mein Ikhtilafat ka Aghaz, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 4, p. 249)