Muhammad, Medina and the Jews

Paper Summary:

In this article the writer notes that in the 6th century, Muhammad moved to Medina in order to get away from the Meccans, who were tormenting him. This was a turning point in Muhammad's life, and gave rise to the first Islamic communities. The writer then discusses that in Medina, there were several Jewish communities and there is much disagreement and controversy concerning the relationship between Muhammad and the Jews. The writer looks at the issues of who were the umma referred to in the Constitution of Medina and the definition of the umma. The writer also discusses whether Muhammad's raids on the Medinan Jews were contrary to the spirit of Islam. As is shown in the paper, different scholars have offered differing interpretations, such that it is difficult to be clear on these issues.

From the Paper:

"On the other hand, al-Waqidi does not describe this relationship of integration and proselytizing. Yet Ibn Ishaq argues that some good experiences had convinced Muhammad that the Jews could in fact be included in an umma with the Muslims. Unfortunately, this was not to be. Even if there was as much integration and cooperation as Ibn Ishaq believes, it was very short-lived. Religious conflicts caused the Jews to turn away from Muhammad, while Faizer notes that Muhammad's symbolic turning of his qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca indicates that the feelings of antipathy were mutual."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cook, Michael. Muhammad. Oxford: Oxford University, 1996.
• El-Ali, Saleh. "Muslim Estates in Hidjaz in the First Century A.H." Lecture delivered at the International Congress of Orientalists, Munchen 1957.
• Faizer, Rizwi S. "Muhammad and the Medinan Jews: A Comparison of the Texts of Ibn Ishaq's Kitab Sirat Rasul with al-Waqidi's Kitab al-Maghazi." International Journal of Middle East Studies, 28.4 (Nov. 1996): 463-489.
• Lecker, Michael. "Waqidi's Account on the Status of the Jews of Medina: A Study of a Combined Report." Journal of Near Eastern Studies, 54.1 (Jan. 1995): 15-32.
• Nyang, Sulayman S. "Muhammad: The Universal Man of All Times." World and I (Jan. 2000): 297.

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