Islam

Summary

It was the first Charter in the world history that established equal rights and obligations for all the State citizens irrelevant to their faiths, religions, colors, or races. The Charter of Medina dates back to year 622 AD when prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Medina (called before Yathrib). It established the rules by which residents of the Yathrib area would co-exist. It forbade tribal infighting and provided a system of rights and of dispute resolution. It established guidelines to be followed by those of all religions (Muslim, Jew, Christians, and others).

This Charter was well before any other recognized human rights laws (and is often compared to the United Nations declaration of 1948).

Actual Document Discussion

Ibn Ishaq says: The Prophet then wrote a contract between the muhajirun and the ansar with which he concluded a truce with the Jews, confirmed them in their religion and their property, and imposed obligations on them and guaranteed them certain rights.

In the name of Allah, the compassionate Rahman. This is a writing of Muhammad, the Prophet, between the believers and the Muslims of Quraysh and Yathrib and those who follow them and are attached to them, and who fight together with them in war.

1. They are one community to the exclusion of [other] people.

2. The muhajirun of Quraysh [remain] in their condition. They pay jointly blood-wite and ransom their captives. [This is carried out] in an upright and just [manner] among the believers.

3. Banu 'Awf [remain] in their condition; they pay jointly their previous blood-wite. Every group ransoms their captives. [This is carried out] in an upright and just [manner] among the believers.

4. Banu al-Harith [remain] in their condition, etc. as section 3.

5. Banu Sa'idah ….(as section 3).

6. Banu Jusham …(as section 3).

7. Banu al-Najjar…(as section 3).

8. Banu 'Amr ibn 'Awf…(as section 3).

9. Banu al-Nabit… (as section 3).

10. And Banu al-Aws … (as section 3).

11. The believers shall not fail to give just assistance to a debtor among them for redemption money or blood-wite.

12. No believer shall enter into alliance with the client of a believer without the latter's consent.

13. The God-fearing believers act [act] against those of them who cause an act of injustice or fraud or hostility or harm among the believers. Their hands are all against him even if he is the son of one of them.

14. No believer shall kill a believer on account of an unbeliever; neither shall he help an unbeliever against a believer.

15. The protection of Allah is one; the protection granted by the least of them is binding on all. The believers protect each other to the exclusion of [other] people.

16. Whoever of the Jews follow us [receive] help and support without being wronged and without the one helping the other against them.

17. The peace of the believers is one. No peace shall be made with a believer apart from an[other] believer when there is fighting in the way of Allah. However, [peace must be concluded] on the basis of mutual equality and justice.

18. In every expedition made with us the parties shall take turns with one another.

19. The believers exact vengeance for the blood of one another [that is shed] inn the way of Allah.

20. The God-fearing believers are under the best and most correct guidance. No polytheist may grant protection to the property or person of Quraysh; neither shall he protect him against a believer.

21. When evidence has been given that someone killed a believer then he is killed in retaliation for him unless the person entitled to revenge is satisfied [with blood-wite]. The believers are against him as one man. They must take action only against him.

22. No believer who understands what is said in this document and who believes in Allah and the last day shall give assistance to a wrongdoer or to give him shelter. If anyone helps him or shelters such a person, upon him be the curse and wrath of Allah on the day of resurrection. No price or substitute shall be accepted from him.

23. Whenever you differ about anything it is to be referred to Allah and Muhammad.

24. The Jews pay a share of the expenses of the believers so long as they are at war. [Same as section 38]

25. The Jews of the Banu 'Awf are one community with the believers. To the Jews their religion and to the Muslims their religion. [This applies] to their clients and to themselves with the exception of anyone who has done wrong or committed treachery, for he harms only himself and his family.

26. To the Jews of Banu al-Najjar [applies] the like of what does to the Jews of Banu 'Awf.

27. To the Jews of Banu al-Harith … (as section 26).

28. To the Jews of Banu Sa'idah … (as section 26).

29. To the Jews of Banu Jusham … ( as section 26).

30. To the Jews of Banu al-Aws … (as section 26).

31. To the Jews of Banu Tha'labah … (as section 26). With the exception of anyone who has done wrong or committed treachery, he harms only himself and his family.

32. Jafnah are a subdivision of Tha'labah. They are like them.

33. To Banu al-shutbah [applies] the like of what does to the Jews of Banu 'Awf. Honesty without treachery [is demanded].

34. The clients of the Tha'labah are like them.

35. The friends of the Jews are like them.

36. No one of them shall go out [to war] without Muhammad's consent. But no one shall be prevented from taking vengeance for wounds. Whoever acts on his own account [involves] himself and his family, except him who has been wronged. Allah is the truest [fulfiller] of this [document].

37. The Jews must bear their expense and the Muslims must bear their expenses. They help one another against those who make war against the people of this document. Between them is good understanding, honourable dealing, and honesty, not treachery. No one is responsible for his confederate. Help [is to be given] to whoever is wronged.

38. The Jews pay a share of the expenses of the believers so long as they are at war. (A repeat of 24)

39. The Valley of Yathrib is sacred for the people of this document.

40. The guest is as his host except he who causes harm or acts treacherously.

41. No woman can be treated as a guest except with the consent of her family.

42. Whenever there is disagreement among the people of this document and trouble to t be anticipated, the matter is to be referred to Allah and Muhammad. Allah is the most scrupulous and truest [fulfiller] of this document.

43. No protection is to be given to the Quraysh or to those who help them.

44. They help one another against those who attack Yathrib.

45. Whenever they are summoned to conclude and to accept a peace treaty, then they shall conclude and accept it. And whenever they [the believers] summon to the like of that, then they have the right for this vis-à-vis the believers except whoever makes war on account of religion. Everyone has his share from their side which is directed towards him.

46. The Jews of al-Aws, their clients and they themselves, have the same rights as the people of this document, in pure honesty on the part of the people of this document. Honesty without treachery [is demanded].

47. Every person who becomes guilty loads the guilt only upon himself. Allah is the most just and truest [fulfiller] of the contents of this document. This writing does not protect him who practices evil or treachery. He who goes out as well as he who remains is safe in the city except he who does wrong or acts treacherously. Allah is a protector of whoever is good and faithful, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.

Alternate translation:

1. This is a document from Muhammad the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), governing relations between the Believers i.e. Muslims of Quraysh and Yathrib and those who followed them and worked hard with them. They form one nation - Ummah.
2. The Quraysh Mohajireen will continue to pay blood money, according to their present custom.
3. In case of war with any body they will redeem their prisoners with kindness and justice common among Believers. (Not according to pre-Islamic nations where the rich and the poor were treated differently).
4. The Bani Awf will decide the blood money, within themselves, according to their existing custom.
5. In case of war with anybody all parties other than Muslims will redeem their prisoners with kindness and justice according to practice among Believers and not in accordance with pre-Islamic notions.
6. The Bani Saeeda, the Bani Harith, the Bani Jusham and the Bani Najjar will be governed on the lines of the above (principles)
7. The Bani Amr, Bani Awf, Bani Al-Nabeet, and Bani Al-Aws will be governed in the same manner.
8. Believers will not fail to redeem their prisoners they will pay blood money on their behalf. It will be a common responsibility of the Ummat and not of the family of the prisoners to pay blood money.
9. A Believer will not make the freedman of another Believer as his ally against the wishes of the other Believers.
10. The Believers, who fear Allah, will oppose the rebellious elements and those that encourage injustice or sin, or enmity or corruption among Believers.
11. If anyone is guilty of any such act all the Believers will oppose him even if he be the son of any one of them.
12. A Believer will not kill another Believer, for the sake of an un-Believer. (i.e. even though the un-Believer is his close relative).
13. No Believer will help an un-Believer against a Believer.
14. Protection (when given) in the Name of Allah will be common. The weakest among Believers may give protection (In the Name of Allah) and it will be binding on all Believers.
15. Believers are all friends to each other to the exclusion of all others.
16. Those Jews who follow the Believers will be helped and will be treated with equality. (Social, legal and economic equality is promised to all loyal citizens of the State).
17. No Jew will be wronged for being a Jew.
18. The enemies of the Jews who follow us will not be helped.
19. The peace of the Believers (of the State of Madinah) cannot be divided. (it is either peace or war for all. It cannot be that a part of the population is at war with the outsiders and a part is at peace).
20. No separate peace will be made by anyone in Madinah when Believers are fighting in the Path of Allah.
21. Conditions of peace and war and the accompanying ease or hardships must be fair and equitable to all citizens alike.
22. When going out on expeditions a rider must take his fellow member of the Army-share his ride.
23. The Believers must avenge the blood of one another when fighting in the Path of Allah (This clause was to remind those in front of whom there may be less severe fighting that the cause was common to all. This also meant that although each battle appeared a separate entity it was in fact a part of the War, which affected all Muslims equally).
24. The Believers (because they fear Allah) are better in showing steadfastness and as a result receive guidance from Allah in this respect. Others must also aspire to come up to the same standard of steadfastness.
25. No un-Believer will be permitted to take the property of the Quraysh (the enemy) under his protection. Enemy property must be surrendered to the State.
26. No un-Believer will intervene in favour of a Quraysh, (because the Quraysh having declared war are the enemy).
27. If any un-believer kills a Believer, without good cause, he shall be killed in return, unless the next of kin are satisfied (as it creates law and order problems and weakens the defence of the State). All Believers shall be against such a wrong-doer. No Believer will be allowed to shelter such a man.
28. When you differ on anything (regarding this Document) the matter shall be referred to Allah and Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).
29. The Jews will contribute towards the war when fighting alongside the Believers.
30. The Jews of Bani Awf will be treated as one community with the Believers. The Jews have their religion. This will also apply to their freedmen. The exception will be those who act unjustly and sinfully. By so doing they wrong themselves and their families.
31. The same applies to Jews of Bani Al-Najjar, Bani Al Harith, Bani Saeeda, Bani Jusham, Bani Al Aws, Thaalba, and the Jaffna, (a clan of the Bani Thaalba) and the Bani Al Shutayba.
32. Loyalty gives protection against treachery. (loyal people are protected by their friends against treachery. As long as a person remains loyal to the State he is not likely to succumb to the ideas of being treacherous. He protects himself against weakness).
33. The freedmen of Thaalba will be afforded the same status as Thaalba themselves. This status is for fair dealings and full justice as a right and equal responsibility for military service.
34. Those in alliance with the Jews will be given the same treatment as the Jews.
35. No one (no tribe which is party to the Pact) shall go to war except with the permission of Muhammed (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). If any wrong has been done to any person or party it may be avenged.
36. Any one who kills another without warning (there being no just cause for it) amounts to his slaying himself and his household, unless the killing was done due to a wrong being done to him.
37. The Jews must bear their own expenses (in War) and the Muslims bear their expenses.
38. If anyone attacks anyone who is a party to this Pact the other must come to his help.
39. They (parties to this Pact) must seek mutual advice and consultation.
40. Loyalty gives protection against treachery. Those who avoid mutual consultation do so because of lack of sincerity and loyalty.
41. A man will not be made liable for misdeeds of his ally.
42. Anyone (any individual or party) who is wronged must be helped.
43. The Jews must pay (for war) with the Muslims. (this clause appears to be for occasions when Jews are not taking part in the war. Clause 37 deals with occasions when they are taking part in war).
44. Yathrib will be Sanctuary for the people of this Pact.
45. A stranger (individual) who has been given protection (by anyone party to this Pact) will be treated as his host (who has given him protection) while (he is) doing no harm and is not committing any crime. Those given protection but indulging in anti-state activities will be liable to punishment.
46. A woman will be given protection only with the consent of her family (Guardian). (a good precaution to avoid inter-tribal conflicts).
47. In case of any dispute or controversy, which may result in trouble the matter must be referred to Allah and Muhammed (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) of Allah will accept anything in this document, which is for (bringing about) piety and goodness.
48. Quraysh and their allies will not be given protection.
49. The parties to this Pact are bound to help each other in the event of an attack on Yathrib.
50. If they (the parties to the Pact other than the Muslims) are called upon to make and maintain peace (within the State) they must do so. If a similar demand (of making and maintaining peace) is made on the Muslims, it must be carried out, except when the Muslims are already engaged in a war in the Path of Allah. (so that no secret ally of the enemy can aid the enemy by calling upon Muslims to end hostilities under this clause).
51. Everyone (individual) will have his share (of treatment) in accordance with what party he belongs to. Individuals must benefit or suffer for the good or bad deed of the group they belong to. Without such a rule party affiliations and discipline cannot be maintained.
52. The Jews of al-Aws, including their freedmen, have the same standing, as other parties to the Pact, as long as they are loyal to the Pact. Loyalty is a protection against treachery.
53. Anyone who acts loyally or otherwise does it for his own good (or loss).
54. Allah approves this Document.
55. This document will not (be employed to) protect one who is unjust or commits a crime (against other parties of the Pact).
56. Whether an individual goes out to fight (in accordance with the terms of this Pact) or remains in his home, he will be safe unless he has committed a crime or is a sinner. (i.e. No one will be punished in his individual capacity for not having gone out to fight in accordance with the terms of this Pact).
57. Allah is the Protector of the good people and those who fear Allah, and Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is the Messenger of Allah (He guarantees protection for those who are good and fear Allah).

During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat.

This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.

Allah (God in English) has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor.

The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)

The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.

Muslims sacrifice a animals at hajj for many reasons:

1. it is God command as one of the hajj ritual worships
2. to remember the obedience of prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to God command to him to sacrifice his son Ismael and when both Ibrahim and Ismael was on the point to obey God command, God sent the sheep to be sacrificed in place of Ismael. So, Muslims to remember to obey God commands at no debate.
3. to offer from its meat to the poor and needy people

See link below

The followers of Islam are called the Muslims. They are found in almost every nook and corner of the world. There are 57 independent Muslim countries in the world (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the west, Pakistan, Jordon, Indonesia, etc.). Apart from these countries, The Muslims are also found in Europe, USA, Canada, and Australia.

Answer 2

Shia Muslims live in many countries. Iran is the main Shia county and the leader of Shia Islam in world. Twelver Shia Islam constitute the majority of the population in Iran (90%), Azerbaijan (75%), Bahrain (70%), Lebanon (65% of Muslims) and Iraq (65%), Yemen (45%). Other countries with a significant proportion of Shia are Syria (15%), Kuwait (35%), Pakistan (20%), India (23% of Muslims), Afghanistan (15%), Saudi Arabia (18%), Turkey (20%), United Arab Emirates (16%), Qatar (15%), Albania(25%).

other Muslim countries are mainly sunni with minor shia population. Qum in Iran and Najaf in iraq are two main city of Shia Islam.

Azan is the first call to prayer. The Azan is uttered in a loud, albeit sweet melodious, voice to announce to the faithful that it is time for the Obligatory Prayer and to invite them to offer the prayers. Those who perform Azan are known as 'Muezzin.' The honour of being the first Muezzin goes to Hazrat Bilal, a black slave who converted to Islam. He had a very sweet, resonant and musical voice. He was appointed as Muezzin by the Prophet of Islam. The appointment of a black slave as the first person to call Muslims for prayers, shows that in Islam all human beings are treated as equals. Rich or poor, black or white, short or tall - all are equal in the eyes of Allah. It is the piety of each individual that makes the difference.

Azan is recited in a loud voice by the Muezzin facing the direction of the Ka'ba in the following words, which are said in the order mentioned:

"Allahu Akbar" - recited FOUR times.

Meaning, "Allah is Most Great."(four times)

"Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah" - recited TWO times.

Meaning, "I bear witness that there is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah."(twice)

"Ash-hadu Anna Muhammad-ar-Rasoolullah" - recited TWO times.

Meaning, "I bear witness that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah."(recited twice)

"Hayya 'alas-Salah" - recited TWO times.

Meaning, "Come to prayer."(turning the face alone to the right and saying it twice)

"Hayya 'alal-falah" - recited TWO times.

Meaning, "Come to Success."(turning the face alone to the left and saying it twice)

"Allahu Akbar" - recited TWO times.

Meaning, "Allah is Most Great" (face back to front and saying it two times).

Morning (Fajr) Prayers

The following phrase is added after "Hayya 'alal-falah" in the Azan of the early morning prayers:

"As-salatu khairum minannaum" - recited Two times.

Meaning, "Prayer is better than sleep" (recited two times).

Muslims are not allowed to draw picyures of living beings like people animals etc

Muslims are not allowed to draw animate objects e.g: Humans, Animals, Pets etc.

The are allowed to draw things with out a soul such as trees, flowers, objects. (Mainly man made things.) If they do so, we (Muslims) believe that on the day of judjement Allah will question us and ask us why we drew them. He will ask us to breathe life into the object and we will NOT be able to! So that is why! Carlotta.

Answer 1

it was like very hot, but they had water to live. it was also a great place to farm, because of the water people had very rich soil.

Answer 2

The above answer is mostly incorrect. While the Arabian Peninsula is quite hot, it has, and continues to have, a massive water deficit and very limited soil at all. Most food consumed in the region was foods made from livestock (such as milk or meat) and imported grains from the upper Middle East (like the Fertile Crescent). Arabs primarily concerned themselves with trading and lived as nomadic tribes with caravans of camels. The meeting places where tribes would conduct business became the major Arabian cities, like Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, Sana', Aden, etc.