Examine the relationship between Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and the Jews in Madinah

Explanation

When Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) arrived in Yathrib, he met three Jewish clans (Ban? Qaynuq?’, Ban? Nad?r and Ban? Qurayza).

* Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) issued a document to the Muslims with which he entered into an agreement with the Jews in 622 C.E.

*The document spelt out the rights of the Muslims and the Jews.

* He (S.A.W.) ensured that the Jews enjoyed equal status with the Muslims.

* He (S.A.W.) gave them freedom to worship as they deem fit

* In matters of dispute between the Muslims and the Jews, the Prophet (S.A.W.) showed fairness to each party.

* The Prophet (S.A.W.) guaranteed the Jews immunity from raids by nomads within Yathrib.

* There was no express stipulation that the Jews should formally recognize Muhammad (S.A.W.) as a Prophet of Allah.

*Upon arrival, the Prophet (S.A.W.) adopted the Jewish Qiblah.

*Jews suffering injustice received assistance from the ’Ummah document.

*The security of Yathrib was a joint responsibility of both the Muslims and the Jews.

*The relationship between the Prophet (S.A.W.) and the Jews was one of the mutual advice, consultation and charity rather than aggression.

*But when the Jews began act of hostilities towards the Prophet (S.A.W.) and the Muslims, they were expelled from the city.

*After the expulsion of the three Jewish clans, Yathrib was renamed Mad?natun - Nabawi (Madinah).

*After the campaign at Khaybar, the Prophet (S.A.W.) married ?afiyyah bint ?uyayy, a Jewish lady.