Summary of Early Islamic Events
Construction of Masjid-e-Nabawi
- When the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) arrived in Madinah, he built a mosque called
Masjid-e-Nabawi.
- Land was bought from two orphans (Sahal and Sohail) for ten gold coins.
- The mosque was square-shaped (about 50 yards each side) and faced north.
- It was built simply with mud brick walls, a roof of palm leaves and trunks, and a palm-leaf floor.
- A special area called Ashab As-Suffah was made for companions dedicated to learning Islam - the
first Islamic educational center.
- Two rooms were also built next to the mosque for the Prophet's family.
- Masjid-e-Nabawi became the religious, social, educational, and political center for Muslims.
- Praying once here is equal to the reward of 50,000 prayers (except for the Ka'bah).
Brotherhood (Mawakhaat)
- Islam teaches that all believers are brothers (Qur'an 49:10).
- Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) created a bond of brotherhood between Muhajireen (migrants) and
Ansar (helpers).
- Each Ansar became like a real brother to a Muhajir, sharing wealth and homes.
- This brotherhood (Mawakhaat) was based on faith, not blood relations.
- Example: Hazrat Sa'ad offered half of his wealth to Hazrat Abdul Rehman bin 'Auf, but he politely
refused and chose to work instead.
- This unity ended old tribal hatreds and helped form a strong Muslim army.
Second Year after Hijra - Fasting, Zakat, Eid Prayer, and Sacrifice
- Fasting (Sawm) in the month of Ramadan became obligatory to teach self-restraint (Qur'an 2:183).
- Zakat (Charity) became obligatory to help the poor (Qur'an 2:195).
- Eid prayer (Eid-ul-Fitr) was made wajib (necessary) after Ramadan as a thanksgiving prayer.
- Sadaqat al-Fitr (charity after fasting) was also made necessary.
- Animal sacrifice during Eid-ul-Adha became compulsory; the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) sacrificed
two goats as an example.
Changing the Qibla
- At first, Muslims prayed facing Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.
- Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) wished to face the Ka'bah instead.
- Allah accepted his wish and revealed (Qur'an 2:144) that Muslims should now turn towards the
Ka'bah.
- The change happened during Zuhr prayer at a place now known as Masjid-e-Qiblatain ("Mosque of
Two Qiblas").
- From then on, the Ka'bah became the center for all Muslim religious activities.
The Treaty of Madinah
- After settling the Muhajireen, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) worked to establish peaceful
relations with the Jews of Madinah.
- A treaty was signed to create unity and peaceful coexistence.
Main points of the treaty:
- Muslims and Jews are one political nation and must defend Madinah together.
- Jews would not aid the enemies of Muslims.
- The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) would be the final judge in any disputes.
- In case of attacks, Muslims and Jews would support each other.
- Costs and benefits of battles would be shared equally.
- Murder and violence were strictly prohibited.
- Everyone was free to practice their religion and must respect each other's beliefs.
Results:
- A united and peaceful society was created in Madinah.
- The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was recognized as the leader, lawgiver, and supreme
commander.