Understanding Islam — Page 31
31 According to the terms of this treaty each group and each tribe was given its mutually agreed upon due rights. The safety and security of the lives and wealth of all parties was guaranteed in this treaty and any pre-existing inter-tribal customs were also respected. It was also agreed that if any person came from Makkah with the intention of causing harm or mischief he would not be provided sanctuary by anyone in Mad ī nah nor would they enter into any pact with them. Further, if a common enemy attacked Mad ī nah all three groups would join together and defend the city as one entity; although it was also stipulated that non-Muslims would not be forced to fight alongside Muslims if the Muslims were ever attacked or fought outside Mad ī nah. In addition, any agreements the Jews had already entered into with other groups would be honoured by the Muslims. The Jews would live by their religion and the Muslims would live by their religion. When all three groups unanimously accepted the terms of this agreement it was also agreed through mutual consent that Prophet Muhammad sa would serve as the Head of the State. Thus, as the de-facto