Originally posted by Dan Zebiri
View Post
Before the Prophet was invited to Yathrib (Medina) there was deadly tribal warfare occurring there. The people invited Muhammed(Pbuh) to arbitrate according to (Islamic) law---to settle the disputes and bring peace. In order to do so, most of the people of Yathrib converted to Islam. When the Prophet reached Yathrib/Medina with his followers, he instituted a mentorship system in which each Medina family became guardians/mentors for each Meccan immigrant. Such a system evenly distributed the burdens of a large group of immigrants and reduced social tensions.
The Medinan population decided to elect the Prophet as their leader---and the Prophet requested an acceptance of this decision (what we might today refer to as "vote") from the community---including women.
This practice of being "elected" was also carried out by the succeeding 4 caliphs.
Further, the Prophet also made a treaty---which today is referred to as the "constitution of Medina" in which the Jewish tribes of Yathrib were free to practice their religion (religion = law) and be equal members of the society. There were perhaps 9 Jewish tribes.(?) When the Meccans attacked Medina---3 of these tribes were proven to have committed treason---in direct contradiction to the treaty terms---therefore 2 of them were exiled according to Islamic law. The third Jewish tribe was tried according to Jewish Law by a Jewish tribe, the Aws (Sa‘ad ibn Mu‘adh.) According to Jewish law, the penalty for treason is death. (...today, according to Western laws, the penalty for treason is death or life imprisonment)
Comment