The Constitution of Madinah
During this formative period, the Constitution of Madinah was established as the foundational document for the alliance of clans that recognized Muhammad as God’s Prophet. This agreement highlighted a growing political awareness within the community, as its members increasingly saw themselves as distinct and unified.
The document also outlined the position of non-Muslims within the society. For instance, Jews were incorporated as protected citizens, provided they followed the community’s laws. This arrangement set an early example for the treatment of subject peoples in subsequent conquests. Christians and Jews, after paying a modest tax, retained the freedom to follow their own religious practices while participating in the societal framework. In contrast, individuals practicing polytheism were not accepted in a community devoted to worshiping the One God.
Early biographer Ibn Ishaq records that it was around this time that Muhammad dispatched letters to regional rulers – including those of Persia, Byzantium, Abyssinia, and Egypt – inviting them to embrace Islam. This outreach underscored the rising confidence of the community, despite its still modest military might following earlier conflicts.
Through skillful alliance-building with various tribes, Muhammad had, by 628, gathered enough support from around fifteen hundred followers to secure access to the Ka’bah. This achievement marked a significant milestone. Having previously left his hometown to establish a new state in Madinah, he was now recognized as a legitimate leader even by those who had once opposed him.
In 629, Muhammad returned to Makkah and achieved a peaceful conquest that was notable both for its lack of bloodshed and its spirit of tolerance. He removed the idols from the Ka’bah, decisively ending the pagan practices that had long held sway there. At the same time, key figures such as ‘Amr ibn al-’As—the eventual conqueror of Egypt—and Khalid ibn al-Walid, who would later be known as the “Sword of God,” embraced Islam and pledged their allegiance. Their conversions were especially significant given that they had recently been among Muhammad’s most ardent opponents.
The Death of the Prophet
For many, Muhammad’s triumphant return to Makkah symbolized the pinnacle of his mission. Yet just three years later, in 632, he suddenly fell ill and passed away on a hot June day, with his wife Aisha by his side.
His death marked a profound loss for his followers. To them, he was far more than just a friend or a capable administrator; he was the revered leader who had united disparate tribes and forged a new social and political order. He personified the divine message he had conveyed—a message encapsulated in the teachings of the Quran, which for centuries have inspired and guided people through challenges and transformations.
Nevertheless, the passing of Muhammad did little to diminish the vibrant society he had established in Arabia, nor did it impede his central mission of sharing the Quran’s revelations with the world. His legacy endured, reminding all that while the man had departed, the eternal nature of the divine message lived on.
Embracing Faith, One Insight at a Time!
The teachings of the Quran have always guided my path. With a deep passion for Islamic knowledge, I strive to blend the wisdom of tradition with the relevance of today, making the timeless messages of Islam accessible and meaningful for everyone.
Muslim Culture Hub is my platform to share historical insights and thought-provoking articles, exploring both well-known and lesser-discussed aspects of Islamic culture and beliefs. My mission is to create an inclusive online space where everyone can learn, strengthen their faith, and connect with the profound message of Islam.
Join the journey!
May peace be upon you.
