The Prophet Muhammad A simple Guide to his Life
The Policy of the Prophet
~ 117 ~
At the end of the Makkan period the Prophet’s
uncle Abu Talib died. As he had been the chief of
the Banu Hashim, his death left the Prophet
without the kind of support, he needed to lead
his life under that tribal system. Here too the
Prophet, taking advantage of the situation in
Makkah, managed to find a supporter in Mutim
ibn Adi. As we know, Mutim ibn Adi was an
idolater. But the Prophet welcomed his support,
for there was scope for this in terms of status quo
in Arabia.
After the emigration when he reached Madinah, he
found idolaters and Jews living alongside Muslims.
But in order to establish a system based on Islamic
teachings, the Prophet did not immediately attempt
to launch a movement to expel Jews and idolaters
from Madinah. Instead, he announced the
establishment of a system based on the existing
society. This declaration is called the charter of
Madinah. It was mentioned in this Charter that the
affairs of their tribes would be settled according to
whichever of their own traditions were prevalent at
the time.
