The Constitution of Medina represented a pioneering achievement compared to all other constitutions in the world and is considered the first Islamic political experiment led by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It played a prominent role in transitioning society from tribal conflict to the realms of brotherhood, love, and tolerance, emphasizing many lofty humanitarian principles.
The constitution also constituted the first social contract in the history of Muslims, and even in the history of humanity, serving as one of the key foundations of the Prophetic State. The Prophet (peace be upon him) established a constitution that organized public life in Medina and defined the relationships between it and its neighbours before the end of the first year of Hijrah. This constitution and political-social contract were unprecedented by any prophet, reformer, or king. The constitution's principles and fundamentals were in complete harmony with the general and fundamental principles brought by Islamic law. The most important of these social, legal, and contractual contents included:
Firstly: Citizenship:
Before the establishment of the Islamic state, Yathrib (Medina) was divided into five parts, each controlled by a different tribe, and the conflicts among these tribes were intense, leading to continuous bloody wars. However, with the formation of the Islamic state under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), based on a written constitution, the state included citizens of various religions: Muslims from the Muhajireen and Ansar, the People of the Book (Jews), and the remaining polytheists of the city; they were all considered citizens of the Islamic state.
The connection of individuals to the state was unique because the Islamic state was not just an individual entity, but a political leadership and a legal system together, which both the individual and the state were committed to. This connection reflected the rights individuals enjoyed under the state and the obligations they adhered to before it. This bond is akin to modern-day nationality; they were all secure under the protection of Islam, including Muslims and non-Muslims. The state was inclusive, accommodating other groups without melting or dissolving, capable of expansion and contraction based on the number of those who joined or left it by choice.
Secondly: Social Ethics in the Constitution:
When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) arrived in Medina, he found warring factions. He formed them into a unified community that differed in all aspects of life from the old society and was distinguished from any other society in the world at that time. This was because its foundation was built on Islam, which fought against ignorant ideas, destroyed corrupt principles and harmful disputes, eliminated the enmity they created, and established the society on solid foundations and strong pillars. The old values that caused discord and division fell away, and Muslims were united by the strong bond of faith, as well as mutual support and solidarity among the clans, tribes, and sects.
Thirdly: Equality of All Before the Law:
All people are equal before divine law, whether rich or poor, noble or humble, Muslim or non-Muslim. Allah says: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do" (Quran 5:8). This shattered racial discrimination and the distinction between members of the Medinan society.
There is no discrimination in the law for any group regarding the benefits and burdens of public life in Medina. The just Islamic principle is that responsibility is shared equally among all. Although Allah has given Muslims the burden of sacrifice and dedication to establish the Islamic state, everyone is equal, with no differences or class distinctions among them, except according to the objective criteria set by the Islamic charter, which are faith and righteous deeds.
Fourthly: Observing Neighbour’s Rights:
In Islam, honouring one's neighbour is considered a sign of true faith and sincere piety. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbour." This principle aims to create a civil society where relationships are healthy and primarily based on cooperation in goodness, the promotion of virtue, prevention of harm, and the establishment of justice among all people.
Fifthly: Ensuring Security for Community Groups and the Right to Life and Mutual Defence:
When Islam came, it fostered brotherhood among people, removed enmities, healed their hearts, and eradicated the pre-Islamic superstitions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "(There is) no 'Adwa (no contagious disease is conveyed without Allah's permission). nor is there any bad omen (from birds), nor is there any Hamah, nor is there any bad omen in the month of Safar, and one should run away from the leper as one runs away from a lion." The new Islamic law prohibited the unjust killing of life, making murder one of the major sins. Allah says: "But whoever kills a believer intentionally – his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide eternally, and Allah has become angry with him and has cursed him and has prepared for him a great punishment." (Quran 4:93). This abolished the pre-Islamic custom of vengeance and preserved life: "And there is for you in legal retribution [saving of] life" (Quran 2:179). The Constitution of Medina brought together people of different beliefs and races, making them citizens responsible for defending the homeland against any external attack.
The impact of the Constitution of Medina is evident in its establishment of a humane dialogue and an integrated society free from tribalism and personal interests. It clarified the rights and duties of every individual in the state, and its influence on global peace is demonstrated through:
- Religious Tolerance:
The West only came to know religious freedom and tolerance a little over a century ago, following dark centuries of religious intolerance, persecution, and horrific massacres. In response to the oppression and aggression rooted in religious bigotry and intellectual terrorism, Islam openly declared its opposition to extremism and fanaticism, whether in religion or ethical human conduct. Islam promoted its message in a civilized manner based on the principle of tolerance and condemned religious fanaticism and intellectual terrorism. The Quran explicitly states this in the verse: "There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong." (Quran 2:256).
- Coexistence and Cooperation Among People Within a Single State:
Coexistence with different religions is a crucial necessity imposed by the need to maintain the integrity of human society and the mutual commitment to live freely and with dignity in our world. Hence, Islam preceded nations and international organizations in proclaiming the call for global peace, as stated in the Quran: "O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely" (Quran 2:208). Islam seeks to instil a deep-seated truth in people's conscience: all humans originate from a single source, which is Adam (peace be upon him).
- Recognition of the Other:
This aligns with the Quranic guidance given to the Prophet when his Lord commanded him to say to those who do not respond to his call: "For you is your religion, and for me is my religion." (Quran 109:6). And in another verse: "And say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills—let him believe; and whoever wills—let him disbelieve'" (Quran 18:29). This represents the highest form of recognizing others, stemming from confidence, respect, and a desire to cooperate for the good of humanity in areas of mutual interest.
- The Value of Human Rights in the Document:
Before Islam, Arab life was tumultuous with desires, sins, and a love for dominance and supremacy. Individuals in society lived with loyalty to their tribe, guided by inherited traditions. One of the priorities of the new Islamic state established by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Medina was to outline a righteous path for people, ensuring their human dignity. This represented a new dawn in human history, as its constitution enshrined the highest values of freedom and dignity for individuals, enabling them to exercise their rights and personal freedoms in this life, as these are essential individual and collective human necessities.
Among these rights are the right to freedom, the right to life, the right to freedom of belief, the right to justice and equality, the right to free expression, the right to security, housing, and mobility, and the right to financial aid (mutual support and social security), among other rights guaranteed by the "Constitution" of the Prophet's state. In Islam's view, these are not just human rights but essential needs; Islam has elevated the recognition of human rights to the point where it considers them necessities.
From the moment Islam emerged in the world, it was not just a religion but a way of life aimed at building a society characterized by cooperation and solidarity. Islam is considered a significant source for encouraging and promoting a culture of mutual support in communities. Some aspects that highlight the role of Islam in fostering a culture of solidarity include:
- Zakat and Charity: Islam encourages supporting the poor and needy through the concept of zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and charity. Giving zakat and charity is an Islamic duty, which strengthens connections among community members and reinforces social bonds.
- Caring for the Poor and Orphans: Muslims are urged to care for the poor and orphans, and taking care of them is considered part of worship. This practice enhances the culture of solidarity and care for those in need within the community.
- Social Justice: Islam promotes social justice and achieving balance in society. This includes fair distribution of wealth and fighting against injustice and exploitation, which strengthens the culture of solidarity and unity.
- Participation in Community Affairs: Islam encourages active participation in community affairs. Encouraging people to share knowledge and experiences contributes to building a culture of solidarity based on social interaction.
- The Virtue of Giving and Helping: Islam considers the virtue of giving and helping others as central to Islamic conduct. These values help shape a culture of solidarity based on mutual support and assistance.
- Islamic Brotherhood: Islam encourages cooperation and solidarity among members of society, promoting the concept of Islamic brotherhood. This contributes to building strong and stable bonds between individuals and communities.
The constitution clearly reveals that the human and civilizational dimension in the events of the Prophet's life, and the concern for social issues and human relationships, are not incidental matters imposed by urgent circumstances. Instead, they are authentic features and central concerns in the prophetic and rightly-guided Islamic project. A comprehensive system was established for the new Medina community that was radically different from the prevailing systems of that era. Careful attention was given to the individual, ensuring them rights that enable them to live their humanity in freedom, dignity, and honour. They were also entrusted with duties that make them responsible individuals in society, fulfilling tasks commensurate with their status and importance.
The Medina Constitution demonstrates the astuteness and genius of the Prophet Muhammad in formulating its provisions and defining the relationships between its parties. The constitution serves as evidence of the vast space for Islamic values and humanity, a space not confined by time or place. This is in line with the openness of Muslims to the world today, through dialogue and partnerships at political, economic, media, and intellectual levels.
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