Methāqe Madīna, A Universal Charter of Peace: An Analytical Study in the Modern Sociopolitical Context

Abstract

Different religious, political and social leaders tried their best to establish peace and prosperity in the society in different phases of the human history. An influential effort out of these efforts is that of the Prophet () Muḥammad. The Prophet () faced a pluralistic society of different faiths and religions in Madīnah. So, to make a better relationship and establish peace between the Muslims and the other communities of Madīnah, an agreement, which is called Mīthāq al-Madīnah, was made. Mīthāq al-Madīnah was not only a deed, but it presents all those principles and regulations, which were mandatory for peace building in a state or society. The excellent aspect of this charter is that the recipients of this charter were not the Muslims only, but a pluralistic society of different faiths. These communities were bound to establish peace with an agreement. This charter is an excellent model of peace, prosperity, freedom and human rights. According to this charter, all the parties were free with their religious beliefs and social interests. It was also the constitution of Madīnah. The renowned Muslim scholars are unanimously agreed that it was the first written constitution of the world. This agreement provides all other communities of Madīnah (the Jews, the Christians, and the polytheists) equal rights and freedom. Consequently, the charter of Madīnah can become a base for enduring peace and peaceful coexistence in a pluralistic world for the sake of the welfare of the human beings.

Keywords: Mīthāq Al-Madīnah, Global Charter, Pluralistic Society, Analytical Study, Universal Peace, Modern, Sociopolitical Context