Meesaq-e-Madinah

(By Ziauddin Kirmani)

Dr. Hameedullah, in his informative and scholarly work, Al-vathaa-‘equas siyasiyyah (Cairo), has re-constructed some 47 clauses of the pact from the available texts. He has selected the following fourteen articles (that also emphasise National Security concepts):

1. ALL INCLUSIVE?

This is a document on behalf of Mohammad, the Prophet (PBUH), as between all Muslim from the Quraish and the Medianites and those who follow them and are thus attached to them and strive with them.

2. ONE NATION OF MUSLIMS AND JEWS

“They from one community (‘Ummatul Vahidah”) apart from other people.

3. PLURALISM AND FREEDOM OF RELIGION

“And the Jews of Banu “Auf form one community (“Ummatun”) along with the Muslims. Shall have their own religion and the Muslims shall have their own religion – their associates as well as themselves – except one who transgresses or commits a wrong. He shall be inviting trouble only for himself and his own people.

4. EQUAL RIGHTS

“And for the Jews of other (mixed) tribes (named in the document) the rights and obligations shall be the same as for the Jews of Bani Auf, except, one who transgresses or only for himself and his own people.

5. EQUAL RIGHTS

“And the associates of the Jews shall be considered at one with them (that is the tribes).

6. SINCERITY AND FRATERNITY

“And the Jews and the Muslim shall bear their own expenses. They shall help each other against one who fights with the people of this covenant. Among them there shall be goodwill and sincere counsel rather than foul play.

7. COMMON OBLIGATIONS

“And the Jews and the Muslim shall share expenses in the state of war.

8. LAWFULNESS

“And it will be unlawful for the people of this covenant to disturb the peace of Madinah.

9. COMMON DEFENCE

“And they shall help each other against one who poses a threat to Madinah.

10. SOCIAL JUSTICE

“And none shall do wrong to his ally and the aggrieved shall be entitled to all help”

11. MUTUAL SECURITY

“And the idolater shall not render any support in person or money, to an (idolatrous) Quraish (of Makah) nor shall he intervene in his behalf against a Muslim”.

12. MUTUAL SUPPORT

“And neither the (idolatrous) Quraish nor one who helps them shall be given asylum or protection”.

13. UNITY OF COMMAND AND LEADERSHIP

“And none shall (hereafter) dissociate oneself from the contracting parties unilaterally except with the permission of Mohammad (PBUH)”.

14. UNITY OF LEADERSHIP

“And if there arises any new situation or any dispute that may threaten its violation, the matter is to be referred to Allah and Mohammad, His prophet”.