Part 14 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Pledges of Support from Yathrib

Part 14 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

The oppressive environment in Makkah continued to grow harsher with each passing day, yet the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) remained steadfast. After the miraculous journey of Isra and Miraj, he was filled with renewed determination, knowing that Allah had affirmed his mission and strengthened his resolve. However, the task of spreading Islam in Makkah seemed insurmountable, as the Quraysh’s opposition intensified. It was during this critical period that Allah opened a new path for the fledgling Muslim community through the people of Yathrib, a city destined to become the sanctuary of Islam.

Yathrib, later known as Medina, was a city divided by long-standing tribal rivalries between the Aus and Khazraj tribes. Years of conflict had left the city yearning for peace and unity. Some in Yathrib had heard of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his teachings, and his message of monotheism and justice resonated with their aspirations.

During the pilgrimage season, when tribes from across Arabia visited Makkah, the Prophet (PBUH) seized the opportunity to meet delegations and present the message of Islam. It was at Aqabah, a small hill outside of Mina, that he first encountered six men from Yathrib. These men, representing both the Aus and Khazraj tribes, were intrigued by his words.

As the Prophet (PBUH) spoke about the oneness of Allah and the values of justice, compassion, and accountability, the men recognized parallels with the teachings of the Jews in their city. “Could he be the prophet they spoke of?” they wondered. With open hearts, they embraced Islam and pledged to take his message back to their people in Yathrib.

The following year, twelve men from Yathrib, some from the Aus and others from the Khazraj, returned to meet the Prophet (PBUH). They came with curiosity, hope, and a willingness to learn. Once again, the meeting took place at Aqabah under the cover of night.

The Prophet (PBUH) addressed them with sincerity and clarity. He recited verses of the Qur’an, spoke of the oneness of Allah, and emphasized the importance of abandoning idolatry, injustice, and immorality. The men were captivated by his words and felt the truth of his message resonate deeply within them.

“We pledge to worship none but Allah,” they declared, “and to follow you in truth and righteousness.”

This marked the First Pledge of Aqabah, where the people of Yathrib committed to supporting the Prophet (PBUH) and spreading Islam within their community. As a sign of their sincerity, they requested that he send a teacher to guide them further. The Prophet (PBUH) chose Mus’ab ibn Umayr (RA), a devoted and eloquent companion, to accompany them to Yathrib.

Mus’ab (RA) worked tirelessly in Yathrib, spreading the message of Islam with wisdom and patience. He visited homes, spoke to leaders, and addressed gatherings. One of his most significant achievements was the conversion of Sa’d ibn Mu’adh, a prominent leader of the Aus tribe. Sa’d’s acceptance of Islam inspired many others in Yathrib to follow suit.

Within a year, Islam began to flourish in Yathrib, with converts from both the Aus and Khazraj tribes embracing the faith. The atmosphere of animosity and division started to give way to a newfound sense of unity, as the teachings of Islam fostered bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect.

The following year, during the pilgrimage season, a larger delegation from Yathrib came to meet the Prophet (PBUH). This time, seventy-five men and two women, representing a broad spectrum of Yathrib’s population, gathered secretly at Aqabah. The Prophet (PBUH) was accompanied by his uncle Abbas, who, although not a Muslim, remained protective of his nephew.

Abbas addressed the group, emphasizing the seriousness of their pledge. “If you pledge to support him, you must stand by him through hardship and ease, for he will become a target of enmity.”

The people of Yathrib responded with unwavering commitment. They pledged to defend the Prophet (PBUH) as they would their own families and to uphold the principles of Islam in their city. This marked the Second Pledge of Aqabah, a moment of monumental significance in Islamic history.

The Prophet (PBUH) selected twelve representatives from among them to act as leaders and organizers within their community. With this pledge, the foundation for the Islamic state in Medina was laid, and the hope of a new beginning for the Muslim community grew stronger.

Despite the secrecy surrounding the pledges, news of the alliance between the Prophet (PBUH) and the people of Yathrib reached the Quraysh. Furious and alarmed, they saw this as a direct threat to their power and influence. They sought to intercept the people of Yathrib before they could leave Makkah, but Allah’s protection ensured their safe return.

The Quraysh intensified their persecution of the Prophet (PBUH) and his followers, but the pledges of Aqabah had given the Muslims a lifeline. The Prophet (PBUH) now had a safe haven to which he could migrate, a place where Islam could thrive and its followers could live in peace.

The pledges of Aqabah were not merely political alliances; they were acts of profound faith and courage. The people of Yathrib risked their lives and livelihoods to support the Prophet (PBUH) and his mission. Their commitment marked the beginning of a new chapter in Islamic history, one that would lead to the establishment of Medina as the heart of the Muslim Ummah.

This moment serves as a testament to the power of faith and the willingness of believers to stand for truth, even in the face of immense danger. The Prophet’s (PBUH) trust in Allah and his tireless efforts to spread the message of Islam would soon bear fruit in ways that would change the course of history forever.