Prophet Mohammad (PUH) Time in Madinah

There were many Muslims already living in Madinah before the migration occurred. During the Prophet’s arrival to the city the Muslims who lived there were very joyful. Many were proclaiming “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great) out of happiness. Men, women, and children were coming out of their homes to meet him.

When he first arrived at the city he built the first mosque in the history of Islam at a town called Quba, located on the outskirts of Madinah. He also built a second mosque within Madinah.

At the time the Muslims would always face Jerusalem when they performed their prayers. Soon afterwards the direction of prayer was changed to Makkah, the city the Muslims had migrated from where the Holy Ka’ba (Sacred House) is located.

A strong sense of brotherhood between the migrants from Makkah (known as the Muhajiroon) and the residents of Madinah (known as the Ansar) was established by the Prophet (peace be upon him). He also set up treaties with different communities including the Jews and the tribes already living in Madinah.

During his 10 years in Madinah the Prophet (peace be upon him) continued to spread the message of Islam and thousands of people embraced the faith throughout Arabia.

Naturally his enemies in Makkah and elsewhere didn’t sit idly by. The Muslims faced many important battles over the coming years such as the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Uhud, the Battle of the Trenches where the city of Madinah was under siege, and other battles which will not be covered in this beginner’s guide.

One of the most significant events during this time in the Prophet’s life was the Conquest of Makkah. After living in Madinah for 8 years, the Muslims who migrated from their home were finally able to return. Even though the citizens of Makkah were the same people who oppressed the Prophet for many years, Muhammad (peace be upon him) entered into the city with no intention of harming anyone.

Many of the people of Makkah who wronged the Muslims in the past were expecting a slaughter against them. It was only natural for the oppressed to exact revenge against the oppressor.

But Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a human being with the best character. When he entered into the city he made his way to the Ka’ba to remove all of the idols which represented their false gods. Upon doing so he addressed the residents of Makkah and said:

“O Quraish, what do you think that I am about to do with you?”

They replied, “All good (i.e. kindness and pity). You are a noble brother and the son of a noble brother.”

Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) forgave them all saying:

“I say to you as Yusuf (Joseph) said to his brothers, ‘No blame will there be upon you today.’ Go, you are the free ones.”

With Makkah under control, Islam was able to grow even more until most of Arabia had accepted the faith. This good news also meant that it was time for the Prophet (peace be upon him) to perform a deed he was not able to do before: perform the pilgrimage (hajj).