Shafaqna English | by Leila Yazdani: Pre-Islamic society was “pluralistic yet fragmented,” characterized by groups living in constant conflict with one another. By establishing the bond of “brotherhood,” the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) reshaped social ties, showing that a bond rooted in “ideals and values” could be stronger than one based on “blood and lineage.” This new connection enabled society to shift from “destructive competition” toward “constructive cooperation.” His social conduct offers lessons in managing differences; rather than eliminating them, he harmonized them within a framework of “shared goals.” In today’s world, where cultural and religious differences have led to global conflicts, the Prophet’s (PBUH) model of establishing “social covenants” for peaceful coexistence remains vital.
Before the Hijrah, Medina was known as Yathrib. The people there had deep tribal rifts, long-standing conflicts, and fragile alliances. The Aws and Khazraj tribes had been in conflict for years, and there were also Jewish tribes in the area, each with their own agreements, wealth, and social influence. When the Prophet arrived, he did not behave like a conqueror.
He arrived as a messenger, teacher, judge, and community builder. The first political lesson is clear: stable governance starts with healing people rather than oppressing them. He established a new foundation for the city centered around Allah, rather than tribal affiliations. Medina evolved into more than just a city; it became a living model of Islamic governance.
In the power structure he established, he promoted public participation and positioned individuals according to their abilities. Moreover, recognizing that the foundation of unity in Islam is rooted in belief and ethics, the Prophet first eliminated idol worship in Mecca. Following that, he build places of worship where Muslims could gather for prayer and consultation.
The formation of congregations and brotherhood treaties fostered a close bond among Muslims, resulting in the disappearance of pre-Islamic tribal prejudices. This was replaced by social unity grounded in the belief in one God. The Prophet also established a comprehensive system of fundamental laws that defined the responsibilities of each individual, helping to create a cohesive and unified nation. Medina’s political model combined courage, restraint, treaty ethics, and trust in Allah.
The system the holy prophet (PBUH) established had various features; twelve are the most important and outstanding:
1.The driving force in the prophet’s system is faith that originates from the hearts and minds of the people: This motivation is a unique kind of faith that flows through the population, influencing their hands, arms, and ultimately their entire bodies. The first step is to inspire these motivating beliefs and then to unify them into a collective will of faith and spirituality. This creates a suitable mindset among the people—an approach that the prophet initiated in Mecca, which eventually led to the raising of a flag that symbolized his power in Medina.
2.The mosque made leadership close to the people: The first step the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) took, after his settlement at Medina, was to build a mosque for the worship of Allah according to principles of Islam. This was not only a place for prayer. This Medina mosque had social, political, and judicial functions, as well as housing Muhammad’s family. It was the center of the first Islamic community and nation. It was the scene of greatest triumphs and tragedies. It was a community center, homeless refuge, university, court, meeting space and public service center all rolled into one. The Prophet used the mosque to teach Quran, settle disputes, welcome guests, train leaders, and connect rich and poor. This shows that Islamic governance cannot be separated from worship and character. Public life needs clean hearts, honest speech, and shared values. The mosque also made leadership close to people. The Prophet was not hidden behind a palace. People could ask, learn, complain, and receive guidance. A strong leader is not always the one who looks distant. In the Medina model, the best leader is available, humble, and ready to serve.
3.The foundation of every aspect in the prophet’s system is knowledge and science: In the prophet’s system, every affair is based on knowledge, recognition, awareness, and awakening. No one is led in a direction without understanding. Instead, people become active forces—rather than passive ones—through their awareness, knowledge, and recognition of their own power.
4.Constitution of Medina and Public Order: The Constitution of Medina is one of the clearest political examples from the Seerah. It organized relations between Muslims, Jewish tribes, and other groups living in the city. It set rules for mutual defense, justice, religious freedom within agreements, blood money, public safety, and loyalty against aggression. This was not a random rule. It was a written social agreement that protected order and reduced tribal chaos. The Prophet showed that governance needs clear terms, not vague promises. People should know their rights and duties. The agreement also showed fairness toward non-Muslim communities who lived under treaty. They were not forced to become Muslim, and their security was part of the city’s public concern.
5.Justice Was the Core of the Medina Model: How the Prophet governed Medina becomes clear when we look at justice. He judged by truth, not tribe, money, status, or personal closeness. In Islam, nobody becomes above the law because of family name or social rank. This principle protected weak people from being swallowed by powerful groups. His public leadership broke that habit. Justice in Medina also included careful evidence, fair judgment, and stopping oppression. A Muslim could not wrong a non-Muslim under agreement. A rich person could not cheat a poor person and hide behind influence. A leader could not treat public trust like personal property. This is why the political model of Medina is not only about government structure.
6.Prophet practiced shura with companions: The Prophet practiced shura (consultation) with his companions, even though he received divine revelation. This serves as a powerful lesson; consultation does not signify weakness but rather a respect for wisdom, experience, and shared responsibility. During significant events such as Badr and Uhud, the Prophet listened to advice, accepted valuable suggestions, and encouraged the community to think critically.
7.The Prophet did not make fear the foundation of his rule: During his governance of Medina, he faced real dangers, including threats from the Quraysh, hostile tribes, hypocrites, and those who broke treaties. Despite these challenges, he chose not to center his governance on fear. Instead, he employed a range of strategies—such as treaties, patrols, intelligence gathering, patience, firmness, and mercy—tailored to each situation. When agreements were upheld, he honored them, but when public safety was threatened by betrayal, he responded with decisiveness. This approach demonstrates that Islamic governance is neither naive nor cruel; it seeks to protect people while maintaining justice.
8.Tolerance and brotherhood are the basis of Prophet society: In the prophets’ establishment, conflicts and disputes that emerge from superstitious, personal, and self-interest-seeking motives are shunned and fought. The environment becomes one of friendship, brotherhood, and empathy. When the Prophet settled in Medina, the tribes of Aws and Khazraj forgot their old feuds entirely and were united together in the bond of Islam. Their old divisions were soon effaced, and the “Ansar”, the Helpers of the Prophet, became the common designation of all people of Medina who had helped the Prophet in his cause. Those who emigrated with him from Mecca received the title of “Muhajereen” or the Emigrants. The Prophet, in order to unite both classes in closer bonds, established between them a brotherhood, which linked them together as children of the same parents, with the Prophet as their guardian.
9.A Balanced Approach to Mercy: Some people believe that mercy means eliminating rules, but the Prophet demonstrated a better approach. His mercy protected individuals, guided sinners toward repentance (tawbah), and prevented unnecessary harshness. However, he also did not tolerate crime, betrayal, or oppression under the guise of kindness. This highlights the important balance required in Islamic governance. Mercy without laws can lead to chaos and harm. In Medina, the Prophet showed care for children, women, the poor, captives, workers, neighbors, and even enemies who came under his protection. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of accountability. Rights and contracts were treated with seriousness, and public safety was a priority. A just society requires both compassion and firm principle.
10.Economic Fairness and Market Ethics in Medina: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) shaped the marketplace of Medina by promoting honest trade, warning against cheating, forbidding deception, and ensuring fair dealing. He did not rely solely on speeches to influence public life; he actively corrected daily transactions where people lived and earned their livelihoods. The marketplace required honesty because wealth can easily become a means of oppression. Islamic governance must protect buyers, sellers, workers, debtors, and the poor from fraud and exploitation. Clean governance requires both sincere worship and ethical earning.
11.Continuous work, movement, and progression define the Prophet society: the system is always active and never pauses. The governing system operates without breaks.
12.The Charter of Medina is a legal and constitutional framework aimed at fostering a harmonious and peaceful society: One of the significant actions taken by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Medina was the establishment of a comprehensive system of fundamental laws. This framework clearly defined the duties of every individual, which is essential in the context of political ethics. The Medina Charter outlined the boundaries of power and the responsibilities associated with various roles within the community. It serves as an example of resolving disputes in a manner that achieved peace and pluralism, not through military victories or hidden agendas, but through mutual respect, acceptance, and a rejection of war—principles that embody some of the foundational teachings of the religion that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was promoting.