This week's guest blogger is Jess Ellison. She discusses what Muhammad managed to achieve in Madinah in between the years 622CE and 632CE, when he died.
You can expect to discuss this content in AO1 questions looking at the achievements of Muhammad but it could also be used in AO2 questions asking if Muhammad was a complete leader in Madinah.
Hello bloggers, I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog about what Muhammad established in Madinah.
During the time of when Muhammad moved to Madinah, Muhammad made some changes in terms of making Madinah an Islamic state. He established Islam through being a religious and political leader to make it a complete way of life. Muhammad established many things in Madinah, one of these things were that Muhammad established a clan based on membership to Islam rather than ‘blood ties’. Muhammad had a clan that could grow in size and strength. He established this in order to make it your choice who’s clan you wanted to be apart of rather than it only being who your related to. This meant more people could be members of the clan and being in a clan for what they believe in. Muhammad also established making sure the first masjid was built. This was a public social centre which gave instructions, helped development and dealt with issues. It was, of course, a place of worship first and foremost. Muslims were allowed to gather in the masjid so that they could discuss matters as a group. This was the heartbeat of Madinah. Muslims will have definitely loved this place of worship being built as they could all talk, no one hearing what they had to say and making sure all their issues were spoken about.
Muhammad also established there being a common moral code for all Muslims. This meant that Muslims had to follow these rules and not to disobey them. If you disobeyed, this would have been classed as ‘sins’. I feel as if Muhammad felt the need to enforce this moral code in order for Muslims to follow the rules and have order in their clans/ lifestyle. Another thing Muhammad established throughout his time in Madinah was making Ramadan a fast month. I believe that Muhammad did this in order for his fellow Muslims to appreciate the food and drink they get in their life rather than taking it for granted. By fasting for a month, throughout the day, Muslims would be able to understand what life is like for the less fortunate. Muhammad wanted them to appreciate what they were given in life and also help encourage them to give to the poorer people of their society.
Muhammad continued to establish many things in Madinah. Another thing he did was banning alcohol and usury. I believe Muhammad banned alcohol as alcohol puts you into a different mind set and Muhammad thought that drinking alcohol would take their minds off of God and lead to disrespecting him. By banning alcohol they would always be following their religion and being in control of themselves. I also believe that Muhammad banned usury in order for people to be able to borrow money in their times of need and not have to pay unreasonably high interest rates back. Many people in these times could not afford having to pay overly high amounts of money back as well as the money they borrowed. Most things Muhammad established in Madinah was making sure life became easier for others and also by helping people understand what its like for some people who are poorer than themselves.
Muhammad also allowed the Jewish tribes of Madinah to enter into an agreement with him. They agreed that they’d protect each other if the polytheists launch an attack and they were also free to practise their religion in Madinah. I believe Muhammad did this in order for the different tribes to get along and for there to be piece.
Thank you for reading my blog! It would be nice to hear your feedback J