A divided Yathrib
Before the Hijra Yathrib was divided: Aws and Khazraj feuding, Jewish tribes, newcomers arriving.
The Constitution of Madinah
The first written charter joining Madinah's Muslims, Jews and allies — in twelve cards.
The need
The people needed one charter setting out each side's rights and duties.
The writing
The Prophet ordered the charter written; it went on skin or scrolls, clause by clause.
One umma
The charter stated that the believers and Muslims of Quraysh and Yathrib are one umma apart from other people.
The Jews
The Jews keep their religion and the Muslims theirs; each pays their share and each helps when called.
The blood
Whoever wrongfully takes a life faces retaliation; none may shield a murderer from it.
Peace and war
The believers' peace is one; no believer makes a separate peace in God's cause.
Yathrib a sanctuary
The charter made the heart of Yathrib a sanctuary for the charter's people.
The neighbour
The neighbour is like the self: not harmed and not sinned against.
The strife
Whatever you differ on returns to God and to Muhammad.
The fairness
The charter covered everyone: the Muhajirin, the Ansar, the Jews and those who followed and fought with them.
The first charter
Historians call it among the earliest constitutional documents in history.
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- A divided Yathrib
Before the Hijra Yathrib was divided: Aws and Khazraj feuding, Jewish tribes, newcomers arriving. - The need
The people needed one charter setting out each side's rights and duties. - The writing
The Prophet ordered the charter written; it went on skin or scrolls, clause by clause. - One umma
The charter stated that the believers and Muslims of Quraysh and Yathrib are one umma apart from other people. - The Jews
The Jews keep their religion and the Muslims theirs; each pays their share and each helps when called. - The blood
Whoever wrongfully takes a life faces retaliation; none may shield a murderer from it. - Peace and war
The believers' peace is one; no believer makes a separate peace in God's cause. - Yathrib a sanctuary
The charter made the heart of Yathrib a sanctuary for the charter's people. - The neighbour
The neighbour is like the self: not harmed and not sinned against. - The strife
Whatever you differ on returns to God and to Muhammad. - The fairness
The charter covered everyone: the Muhajirin, the Ansar, the Jews and those who followed and fought with them. - The first charter
Historians call it among the earliest constitutional documents in history.