Foundation of a Multi-Religious State: The Charter established the first Islamic state in Medina, accommodating both Muslim and non-Muslim communities, including Jews, as part of the Ummah (community).
Rights of Non-Muslims: The charter guaranteed the religious freedom of the non-Muslim residents of Medina, specifying that Muslims and non-Muslims were to “support one another against anyone who attacks the people of this document.”
Collective Responsibility: The document emphasized that all groups in Medina, regardless of their religious affiliations, were bound by a collective responsibility. This means that if an external party were to attack Medina, all communities, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, would defend the city.
Resolution of Disputes: The charter designated Prophet Muhammad as the ultimate authority in resolving disputes. This ensured a unified legal authority that could oversee conflicts and provide judgments.
No Betrayal Amongst Constituents: It forbade any constituent member of the Medina community from aiding or providing support to any outsider against another member of the community.
Regulation of Blood-Wit: Rules regarding the payment of blood money (compensation paid to the family of someone who has been killed) were defined.
Principle of No Harm: The charter stipulated that an individual could not be subjected to any harm by another member of the community.
Prohibition of Support to the Quraysh: Given the hostile relations with the Quraysh of Mecca, the charter prohibited any form of support to them or any entity in conflict with the newly established Medina community.
Emphasis on Righteousness: The document emphasized the importance of conducting all matters with righteousness and justice and fearing God in all undertakings.
Rights of non-Muslims
The security of God is equal for all groups.
Non-Muslim members have the same political and cultural rights as Muslims. They have autonomy and freedom of religion.
Non-Muslims take up arms against the enemy of the nation and share the cost of war. There is to be no treachery between the two.
Non-Muslims are not obliged to take part in the Muslims’ religious wars.
