Political Policies of the Prophet Muhammad SAW during His Lifetime in Mecca and Medina

The political policies of the Prophet Muhammad during his lifetime in Mecca and Medina demonstrate the cultural and political beauty of Islam. He achieved this through various means, including the First and Second Oath of Aqabah, which legitimized his leadership among the people of Medina; the Constitution of Medina, which fostered social cohesion among different communities; the implementation of Islamic politics, which prioritized internal brotherhood among Muslims and external agreements with non-Muslims; forming an army to face threats and create security; prohibiting the request for positions and prioritizing the welfare of the community; and dealing with differences in a peaceful manner, prioritizing brotherhood. These policies showcase the cultural beauty of Islam in integrating communities, creating social cohesion, and prioritizing the welfare of the community.

The First and Second Oath of Aqabah: This agreement became the legitimacy for the people of Medina to recognize the Prophet Muhammad as their leader. This agreement shows the cultural beauty of Islam in integrating different communities. Baiat Aqabah I and II were significant events in the political career of the Prophet Muhammad. The First Oath of Aqabah, which took place in 620 CE, marked the beginning of the Prophet's political leadership in Medina. It was a pledge of allegiance by the people of Medina, represented by the tribes of Aus and Khazraj, to the Prophet as their leader. This event legitimized the Prophet's authority and paved the way for the establishment of the first Islamic state. The Second Oath of Aqabah, which occurred in 622 CE, further solidified the Prophet's position as the leader of the Muslim community. These events demonstrate the Prophet's ability to unite diverse groups and establish a cohesive society, showcasing his exceptional leadership skills and the early development of Islamic politics.

The Constitution of Medina: This agreement shows the cultural beauty of Islam in creating social cohesion through the process of brotherhood among communities and creating a note of agreement to live together with other communities that are different. Piagam Madinah is a significant document in Islamic history that outlines the principles of governance and social harmony in the early Islamic state. It was a charter of unity and cooperation between the Muslim community and the Jewish community in Medina, establishing a framework for coexistence and mutual respect. The charter emphasizes the importance of social justice, freedom of religion, and protection of minorities, showcasing the Prophet Muhammad’s commitment to creating a just and inclusive society. It also highlights the role of the state in ensuring the welfare of its citizens, promoting education, and maintaining public order. The Piagam Madinah has been influential in shaping the concept of democracy in Indonesia, particularly in the context of Pancasila, and continues to serve as a model for interfaith tolerance and cooperation in diverse societies.

The Implementation of Islamic Politics: The Prophet Muhammad focused on internal brotherhood among Muslims and external agreements with non-Muslims. This policy shows the cultural beauty of Islam in creating social cohesion and creating new bonds based on faith, brotherhood, and mutual help. The Implementation of Islamic Politics in Indonesia focuses on integrating Islamic values into the political system. In this context, Islamic politics is understood as activities and management related to power, decision-making, public policy, and the allocation of authority based on Islamic principles. Studies on Islamic politics have their own methodology, as they are based on the primary sources of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. Islamic politics do not only focus on empirical cases, but also on aspects related to the relationship between humans and God and among humans. Therefore, the implementation of Islamic politics in Indonesia should consider these aspects to achieve more effective and sustainable goals.

Forming the Army: The Prophet Muhammad formed an army to face the threat of invasion from the pagan Quraysh of Mecca. This policy shows the cultural beauty of Islam in facing threats and creating security. The formation of the army by the Prophet Muhammad was a crucial step in the defense of the Muslim community and the spread of Islam. The Prophet’s decision to establish an army was driven by the need to protect the Muslim community from external threats, particularly the pagan tribes of Mecca who were hostile towards Islam. The army was also instrumental in the Prophet’s military campaigns, such as the Battle of Badr, which marked a significant turning point in the spread of Islam. The Prophet’s leadership and strategic decisions during these battles demonstrated his ability to inspire and motivate his troops, as well as his commitment to upholding justice and protecting the innocent. The formation of the army also marked the beginning of a new era in Islamic history, as the Muslim community began to expand its territorial reach and establish a strong military presence.

Prohibiting the Request for Positions: The Prophet Muhammad taught the prohibition of requesting positions and prioritizing the welfare of the community. This policy shows the cultural beauty of Islam in prioritizing the welfare of the community and not seeking personal interests. The prohibition of seeking a position or office is a significant concept in Islamic teachings. This prohibition is rooted in the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, which emphasizes that seeking a position solely for personal gain or prestige is unacceptable. The Hadith states that those who seek a position for personal gain will not be rewarded in the afterlife, as their intentions are driven by worldly desires rather than a desire to serve the community. This prohibition is further reinforced by the Quranic verse that commands believers to “not take the property of others unjustly” and to “not seek to gain the favor of others by doing wrong” (Quran 17:35). The prohibition of seeking a position is also seen as a means to prevent corruption and ensure that those who hold positions of authority are chosen based on their competence and integrity rather than their personal connections or wealth.

Dealing with Differences: The Prophet Muhammad dealt with differences in a peaceful manner and prioritized brotherhood. This policy shows the cultural beauty of Islam in dealing with differences and creating social cohesion. The Prophet Muhammad’s approach to dealing with differences is a hallmark of his leadership and a testament to the values of tolerance, compassion, and wisdom that are central to Islamic teachings. When faced with differences, the Prophet Muhammad would often engage in dialogue and seek to understand the perspectives of others, even if they were opposed to his own views. He would also use his authority to mediate disputes and bring people together, rather than imposing his will or seeking to dominate others. This approach is exemplified in the Prophet’s handling of conflicts with Jewish tribes, where he would often seek to find common ground and resolve disputes through peaceful means. The Prophet’s approach to dealing with differences has been a source of inspiration for Muslims throughout history, and continues to be a model for conflict resolution and interfaith dialogue in the modern era.