Third Cornerstone:
Binding Muslims to Non-Muslims

1-Covenant with the
Jews of Al-Madinah

After the Messenger of Allah r
firmly established the foundations of the rising Muslim Ummah and its new society
based on religious, political, and administrative unity, he r
commenced the regulation of relations with non-Muslims to ensure peace,
security, happiness, and welfare for all citizens.

He r
passed laws of tolerance and forgiveness towards minorities that had been
previously unseen in the world at that time, which was full of bigotry and
controlled by individual and ethnic interests.

The closest people to Al-Madinah at that time were the Jews.

The Prophet r made a covenant
with the Jews, who, although they harbored enmity towards Muslims, still had
not showed any opposition or hostility. He r secured the rights of
the Jewish minority by granting them full citizenship and freedom to practice
their religion, manage their estates and participate in defense, while putting
a strong emphasis on the consequences of committing treason, crime, or
corruption.

He r
extended the right of protection, security, peace,
and justice not only to the Jews who lived in Al-Madinah, but also to the
allies of Jews who were non-Muslims.

The following are the terms
pertaining to the Jews in the Covenant of Al-Madinah:

1.      The Jews of Banu ‘Awf are one community with the believers. To
the Jews their religion and to the Muslims their religion. This applies to
their freedmen and to themselves with the exception of anyone who acts unjustly
and sinfully; for he harms only himself and his household.

2.      To the Jews of Banu An-Najjar, the Jews of Banu Jusham, the Jews
of Banu Al-Aws, and the Jews of Banu Tha‘labah (applies) the like of what
applies to the Jews of Banu ‘Awf, with the exception of anyone who acts
unjustly and sinfully; for he harms only himself and his household.

3.    Jafnah are a sect of Tha‘labah. They are (treated) like them.

4.     To Banu Ash-Shutaybah (applies) the like of what applies to the
Jews of Banu ‘Awf. Righteousness without iniquity (is demanded).

5.      The freedmen of Tha‘labah are (treated) like them.

6.      The allies of the Jews are (treated) like them.

7.      No one of them may go out (of Al-Madinah) except with the
permission of Muhammad r.

8.      The Jews must bear their expenses, and the Muslims must bear
their expenses.

9.     They are bound to help one another against whoever wages war against the people of this document (pact).

10.    Among them shall be (mutual) advice and consultation; righteousness
without iniquity.

11.  A person (on either side of this pact) will not be made
answerable for (the wrongs of) his ally.

12.  Help shall be given to the wronged.

13.  The Jews shall contribute to the expenditure (of defending
Al-Madinah) as long as they are fighting together with them.

14.  The valley
of Yathrib is
inviolable for the people of this document.

15.  A stranger who has been granted asylum (by anyone party to this
pact) will be (treated) as his host (who gave him asylum), unharmed as long as
he commits no crime.

16. A woman shall be granted asylum only with the consent of her
family.

17.  Should any incident or quarrel arise between the people of this
document and it is to be feared lest it should cause trouble, it must be
referred to Allah U
and to Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah r. Allah sides with what
is nearest to piety and righteousness in (fulfilling) this document.

18.  No asylum shall be granted to the Quraish or to those who
support them.

19.  They (Muslims and Jews) shall help one another against those who
attack Yathrib.

20.  If they (the Jews) are called (by Muslims) to make peace (with
enemies) and maintain it, they must do so; and if they (the Jews) make a
similar demand, it shall be incumbent upon the believers, except in the case of
those who wage war on account of religion.

21.  Every party (to the pact) shall be responsible for their
portion, from their side that is facing them.

22. This document will not protect an oppressor or a sinner.

23.  Anyone who goes out of Al-Madinah shall be safe, and anyone who
stays in it shall be safe, except for one who acts unjustly or sinfully.

Verily, Allah is the Protector of those
who act righteously and fear Him, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah r.1