The TreatiesThe Prophet Muhammed (r) made many treaties with the local tribes and the chiefs of
states the surrounding the Arabian Peninsula and very strictly adhered to the terms of his
treaties. When once he entered into any treaty with anyone, he was never first to break the
treaty. This was one of the cardinal principles of his policy. He always honored his promises
and pacts with other people and advised his followers to do the same. He always enjoined
upon his commanders not to break their trust. The Qur'an commands:
"O you who believe! Fulfil all your obligations (and trusts)." [Qur'an 5:1]The obligations of treaties and pacts are of far more significance than promises made to
individuals. The Qur'an therefore lays great emphasis on the believers to honor them:
"You should not take friends from among them (the hypocrites) unless they migrate in
the Way of Allah; and if they do not migrate, then seize them wherever you find them
and slay them and do not take any of them as friends and helpers. However, those hy-
pocrites are excepted who join a people who are allied to you by treaty.” [Qur'an 4:89-
90]COVENANT BETWEEN THE MUSLIMS AND THE JEWS
When Muhammed (r) came to Medinah, he found himself confronted with many prob-
lems, internal as well as external. He was faced with aggression from the Quraysh and sub-
version and revolt from the hypocrites and the Jews of Medinah. Shortly thereafter, the
Prophet (r) got a written document, which bound the Muhaajirun and the Ansaars to a
friendly agreement. The covenant made the Jews a party to the treaty that guaranteed
them the freedom of their rights and obligations. (Ibn Hisham, Vol. p. 501).
He made pacts and treaties of diverse natures with the Jews, but the most significant
agreement which the Prophet (r) signed was with the Jews of Medinah.
It was not only an agreement with them but a proclamation on the part of the Prophet
(r). It permanently established the central authority of the Islamic State of Medinah as well
as that of Muhammed (r) as the chief administrator and ruler. It also established the rule of
law in the country with one legal authority and one law for all people. The main provisions
of this agreement are as follows. (Ibn Ishaq, The Life of Muhammed, pp231-235).
I begin with the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Gracious