This chapter revolves around who the first Muslims were and their significance to the city of the prophet. I also wanted to state how much I enjoy how these chapters are transitioning through this story very efficiently. As these chapters continue, it is incredibly fascinating how Muhammad has instilled such change into most people’s lives at this moment. There are new movements the Muslim citizens are doing, especially the Hijra, which was a secret operation for “daughters to sneak out of their fathers’ homes at night, young men gathering whatever provisions they could carry on their backs for the arduous week-long journey through the barren wilderness” (Aslan, 48). This was a long journey for many people who could not receive homes in Yathrib. It was also interesting to note how the Medinan period helped shape and model the religious ideology of Islam and the Islamic Empire came to be after Muhammad’s death with the Medina.
Once many couldn’t find homes in Yathrib, the area was mostly controlled by the Jewish population as well as the Bedouin tribes. However, there was a huge quarrel between the Was and the Khazraj. However, the Constitution of Medina was a document Muhammad created signaling that he was the leader for all the tribes and religions in Yathrib in order to stop the disputes. This constitution is the model for the power of a specific ruler for the Muslim people, who designates responsibilities and rights to the various communities. This created more equality amongst the communities as well as the blood-worth in order for one’s life to not be less valuable than another. He outlawed usury, supported the needy, as well as supported and fought for more equality with women. However, Muhammad’s wives did practice wearing a veil that is still used to this day, but it is used to protect women, especially in the Middle East. After Muhammad’s death, the legacy he left for equality in the Muslim community was next to none. Overall, this chapter was very fascinating to see how Muhammad utilized his power to influence the Islamic communities as well as others in Yathrib as well as Medina.