The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 1
1. ِط بِسْم ِ اللّٰه ِ الرَّحْمٰن ِ الرَّحِیْم 2 - ِط نَحْمَدُہ ٗ وَنُصَلِّی ْ عَلی ٰ رَسُوْلِه ِ الْكَرِیْم I Early Establishment of Madīnah and Foundation of the Islāmic Government State of Madīnah The migration of the Holy Prophet sa and his Companions has already been mentioned in Volume I of this book. Now, after the migration, the Medinite life of the Holy Prophet sa begins. However, before we begin to discuss this era, it seems necessary to briefly describe the state of Madīnah itself, and its population. Without this, it is difficult to fully understand certain aspects of the Medinite life of the Holy Prophet sa. It has already been mentioned that prior to the migration of the Holy Prophet sa , the city of Madīnah was known by the name Yathrib. However, after the migration of the Holy Prophet sa , people began referring to it as Madīnatur-Rasūl , i. e. , the City of God’s Messenger. Then, gradually thereafter, it became known only as Madīnah. Madīnah is an ancient city in the region of Ḥijāz, situated 200 to 250 miles north of Makkah, approximately 50 miles east, off the eastern coast of the Red Sea. In other words, Madīnah is situated close to the ancient desert trade-route which runs from Makkah towards Syria. It is for this reason that merchants travelling between Makkah and Syria would at times travel slightly out of their way and stop at Madīnah as well. As such, many people from Makkah and Madīnah were acquainted with one another, and some even maintained friendly relations. As far as location is concerned, Madīnah is best described as a valley, which was surrounded by small mountains. Among these was the Mount of 1 In the name of Allāh, the Gracious, the Merciful (Publishers) 2 We praise Allāh and invoke blessings upon His Noble Messenger (Publishers)