Question

The text below from the Constitution of Medina established the government of Muhammad after his arrival in the city in 622 CE. Use this text to answer the following question: In the name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful. (1) This is a document from Muhammad the prophet (governing the relations) between the believers and Muslims of Quraysh and Yathrib, and those who followed them and joined them and labored with them… (16) To the Jew who follows us belong help and equality. He shall not be wronged nor shall his enemies be aided… (25) The Jews of the B. 'Auf are one community with the believers (the Jews have their religion and the Muslims have theirs), their freedmen and their persons except those who behave unjustly and sinfully, for they hurt but themselves and their families… (37) The Jews must bear their expenses and the Muslims their expenses. Each must help the other against anyone who attacks the people of this document. They must seek mutual advice and consultation, and loyalty is a protection against treachery. A man is not liable for his ally's misdeeds. The wronged must be helped. Source: Constitution Society The excerpt above best supports what conclusion? Muhammad encouraged continued conflict with the Jewish people. The idea of freedom of religion did not exist during the early days of Muhammad's rule. Early Muslims acted from a position of political weakness. During Muhammad's early rule, Jewish people enjoyed a protected status.

Answer 1

The right answer is the D: During Muhammad's early rule, Jewish people enjoyed a protected status, provided that they were good and were acting justly. This fragment reflects how the Constitution ensured the freedom of religious beliefs and practices in the state of Medina and its autonomous communities, since, ultimately, Muhammad sought to guarantee the general welfare of its citizens, who had been in a constant state of war for many generations and were facing serious economic and social problems. Even though the document referred to Muhammad as Prophet and Messenger, it was implied that the Jews did not have to recognize him as such and could maintain their own religion. However, if they wanted the protection of the Believers, and if they wanted to be treated with equality and to be helped, they were expected to follow and thrive with them, to contribute to the cost of war - if they were fighting against the same enemy - and to assist them if they were being attacked.  

This is a very significant document, a very early example of a written constitution.