Instructions:
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Watch the video carefully and take clear, organized notes while watching.
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Review the concepts covered in the video and then attempt all the given exercises independently.
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If you feel stuck on any question, go back to your notes and re-watch the relevant part of the video before moving on.
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Do not skip difficult questions—use your notes to understand the method or concept step by step.
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Write down any questions or confusions in your notebook so you can ask the lecturer during the next class.
Good morning students. Today, we are going to learn about one of the most important documents in Islamic history — the Constitution of Madinah. This was written by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, soon after the migration to Madinah. At that time, Madinah had Muslims, Jews, and some idol-worshippers, and there were old rivalries between tribes like Aws and Khazraj. So, the Prophet’s mission was to bring unity and peace to this diverse city, and the Constitution was the way to do it.
Why was this Constitution needed? Well, when the Muslims moved to Madinah, many of them had left behind their wealth and homes. They needed support. At the same time, the Jewish tribes had their own traditions, and there was always the danger of attacks from the Quraysh in Makkah. Without clear rules, conflict could easily break out. So, the Constitution acted like a written agreement that made sure everyone could live together in peace and help one another when needed.
Let’s look at the main features. First, it said that all Muslims formed one Ummah — one united community. Loyalty to Islam became stronger than loyalty to tribe. That’s a big deal, because before Islam, people only supported their tribe, even if they were wrong. Second, it included relations with Jews and other groups. They were free to follow their religion and were considered part of the wider community, but they also had to help defend Madinah if it was attacked. This was a clear example of peaceful coexistence. Third, the Constitution emphasized collective defense. If Madinah was attacked, everyone — Muslims and Jews — would fight together. So instead of fighting each other, they united to protect their city. Fourth, it gave the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, the role of judge and leader. Any disputes had to be referred to him, and criminals could not be protected by tribes. This made sure justice was fair for everyone. Another very important point was religious freedom. Everyone could practice their own religion without interference. For a city with so many different groups, this was a powerful principle of peace. Finally, it ended the old cycle of tribal revenge and blood feuds. Instead of fighting back and forth for years, disputes now had to be solved in a lawful, peaceful way.
Now, why is this Constitution so significant? It showed that Islam was not just about rituals like prayer and fasting but also about building a just society. It made Madinah into a safe, united, and cooperative city. Muslims and non-Muslims lived side by side under clear rules of justice. Many scholars today even call it the world’s first written constitution.
So to quickly summarize for you: The Constitution of Madinah united Muslims into one Ummah, allowed Jews and others to live with religious freedom, emphasized collective defense, gave the Prophet the role of leader and judge, ended tribal revenge, and created justice and peace in society. It was a revolutionary step that laid the foundations for the first Islamic state and showed how diversity can live together under shared values of justice and respect.
