ISLAM IN ARABIA

How was Islam established in Arabia after Muhammad became a prophet of God?

Leaving Makkah for Sanctuary

Prophet Muhammad received his first revelations from God in the city of Makkah and began to spread this message to the local peoples. However, persecution by the Quraysh, the ruling tribe in the area, grew fiercer in opposition to this message that challenged the idol worship of the time. The persecution worsened with every passing day and it was not long until life became unbearable for the Muslims in Makkah.

Muhammad had heard of the righteousness, tolerance and hospitality of the neighboring Christian king or Negus of Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia). So in 615 CE, he advised his followers who did not have protection – some 15 Muslims, to flee Makkah and seek refuge there until a safer environment was established for them in Arabia.

The Hijrah (Migration) & the Beginning of the Islamic Calendar

After 13 years of revelation, and much struggle to deliver the message to the local people, Prophet Muhammad was given the commandment by God to migrate to the city of Medinah whose people had approached him and offered their allegiance.

This event called the hijrah or the journey made by Muhammad from Makkah to Medinah in 622 CE, was of such significance that it marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Years that follow the hijrah are dated as AH (After Hijrah).

The Islamic calendar or Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar; its months are calculated based on the phases of the moon. Accordingly, each month begins and ends with the new moon - every 29 or 30 days.

The Islamic Lunar Calendar

1. Muharram
2. Safar
3. Rabi’ Al-Awwal
4. Rabi’ Ath-Thani
5. Jumada Al-Awwal
6. Jumada Ath-Thani
7. Rajab
8. Sha’ban
9. Ramadan
10. Shawwal
11. Dhul Qa’dah
12. Dhul Hijjah

The lunar months shift about 11 days earlier along the Gregorian calendar, the commonly-used solar calendar. The fasting month of Ramadan, for example, will not occur at the same time each year.

Life in Medinah

Muhammad spent 10 years in Medinah relaying the Qur’an as he received it from God, and teaching the people around him how to follow its message. It was there that Muhammad’s leadership position enabled him to make peace treaties with nearby Jewish tribes, invite other people openly to the message of the Qur’an, not only in and around Medinah, but outside Arabia - to the King of Persia and the Emperor of Rome.

Many people in Makkah and elsewhere still wanted Muhammad killed and his new faith crushed. Several battles occurred between the Muslims and those that wanted their demise. The Battle of Badr was the first decisive victory for the Muslims. It was remarkable in that it saw a mere 300 Muslims - poorly equipped, defeating the amassed Makkan army of roughly 1000.

Medinah is considered the first Islamic state. The first step the Prophet took after his settlement at Medinah was to build a mosque for the worship of God according to the principles of Islam. Also, houses for the accommodation of the emigrants were soon erected.

Medinah and its suburbs were at this time inhabited by three distinct parties, the Emigrants, the Helpers, and the Jews.

In order to unite them, the Prophet granted a charter to the people, clearly defining their rights and obligations. This charter represented the framework of the first commonwealth organized by the Prophet. It began,

In the name of the Most Merciful and Compassionate Lord, this charter is given by Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah to all believers, whether of Quraysh or Medinah, and all individuals of whatever origin who have made common cause with them, who shall all constitute one nation.

This charter also put an end to the state of anarchy that prevailed among the Arabs. It constituted the Prophet Muhammad as chief magistrate of the nation.

By the end of his life, Muhammad had established Medinah as the center of a burgeoning Muslim civilization that would span Africa, Asia and Europe.

The Farewell Pilgrimage

Towards the end of Muhammad’s life and prophethood most of the people in Arabia had accepted the belief in one God and the teachings of the Qur’an. On the last hajj or pilgrimage, known as the “Farewell Pilgrimage”, Muhammad reminded the pilgrims of their commitment to their new faith – Islam. He advised them to “hold fast” and follow what he left behind - the Qur’an and his Sunnah or Example, both of which are considered the primary sources for Shari’ah (Islamic Law).

It was then at the end of the sermon that Muhammad received and recited the final few verses of the Qur’an,

...This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed My (Allah’s) favour upon you, and it is My (Allah’s) pleasure to have chosen Islam as your religion. (5: 4)