What is mithaq madina in Islam?

Answer 1

The Mithaq Madina is the Constitution written in Madina by Muhammed (saws), the Prophet of Islam, soon after his migration there from Mecca (622AD). It is perhaps the earliest 'human rights' charter guaranteeing particularly the right of life and right of intellectual freedom, written 600 years prior to the English Magna Carta.

Social life in Medinah was at the time pluralistic, structured according to tribal law. It was strife ridden and in desperate need of a unifying code of principles.

Composed of 47 clauses, the Mithaq included such things as:

- All parties included in the charter - Muslims, Jews, Christians and pagans, had freedom to practice their religion

- All citizens of the state had equal rights and responsibilities and were protected against excess and oppression

- A system of financial aid was developed within each tribe and between tribes. Communal funds were set up which were used in times of financial need such as to pay ransom or blood-money

- In the event of a war or hostile attack from outsiders on one tribe, all tribes of Madinah (signatories of the charter) were required to come to the aid of the defending tribe

Putting an end to the traditional laws of tribal kinship which prevailed over much of the Arabian Peninsula at the time, the Mithaq sought to unify the people by establishing all people as equally protected by, and equally responsible for, the principles of law.