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624CE-628CE - History of Islam

There were three main problems that faced Muhammad (P.B.U.H) even though it seemed they had ceased in 622CE;

  1. How to convert the whole of Arabia
  2. How to unite Medina as one single community as they were split into three groups, the Muhajirun, Ansars and Munafiqun
  3. How to deal with Meccans, strong enemies of Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and Islam.

Constitution of Medina

To settle in Medina with no bias, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) let his camel choose where he should live thus resided in minor Khazraj. Next he set rules for the city. The Constitution of Medina was formed, dated from 622 – 640CE.

It stated that Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was the leader of only the Muhajirun clan and every other clan had its own leader. Any one must help any believer of whatever clan if in tremendous debt. Every Muslim must protect each other regardless of clan. Muhammad (P.B.U.H) would be the arbitrator amidst disputes, no military expedition could be organised without Muhammad's (P.B.U.H) consent and everyone must follow one moral high code.

Political Arrangement of Medina

Muhammad (P.B.U.H) challenged the whole political arrangement of Medina as the reign was more based on religion than politics. Muhammad (P.B.U.H) saw Jews as his closest companions as they also believed in one God. However after discussion the Jews avenged Muhammad (P.B.U.H) with scripture differences and held sceptical views of Muhammad (P.B.U.H) being a prophet of God. With this new conflict, the chief hypocrite Abd al ibn Ubayy who tried to become king of Medina before Muhammad's (P.B.U.H) arrival joined the Jews.

Similarly Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was joined by Sa'd ibn Mu'adh who was a leader of anti – Jewish clans. After the Battle of Bad'r, all Arabian clans became Muslims. There was disruption between the Muhajirun and the Quaynuqa Jews over market placements. With Muhammad (P.B.U.H) strengthened and Abd al ibn Ubayy weakened, the Jews were forced to leave Medina and headed north to Khaybar.

Introduction of Zakat

The next three years, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) planned to convert the whole of Medina and make it a theocracy. Zakah was established during this period to help the widows and orphans of war.