LIFE IN MECCA
What made life difficult for early Muslims in Mecca after the Prophet began preaching publicly?
Persecution and violence from Meccans who opposed his message.
What does the term Hijra mean?
Migration - specifically the Prophet’s move from Mecca to Yathrib/Medina in 622.
Who were the Muhajirun and the Ansar?
Muhajirun: Emigrants from Mecca;
Ansar: Helpers from Medina who supported them.
What was the Charter of Medina designed to achieve?
Peace and cooperation between Muslims, Jews, and other tribes.
How many surahs are in the Qur’an?
114 surahs.
What happened to the Prophet in the Cave of Hira during the first revelation?
Angel Gabrial told Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) to “Recite,” - beginning the Qur’an’s revelation.
Who accompanied Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) on the Hijra?
Hazrat Abu Bakr
What was the purpose of the Prophet’s Mosque in early Medina?
It served as a place for prayer, meetings, announcements, and shelter.
Why was unity so important for Medina at that time?
Because tribes were in constant conflict and needed stability.
How was the Qur’an preserved during the Prophet’s lifetime?
Through oral recitation, memorisation, and writing on objects
Why is the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) special?
It’s the night the Qur’an first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s).
How did the role of Prophet Muhammad change when he moved from Mecca to Medina?
In Medina he became a community leader- acting as a judge, guide, and head of the new Muslim community, not just a messenger.
What was mu’akhat (“the Making of Brothers”)?
Pairing an Emigrant with a Helper to build unity and support.
What rule in the Charter specifically protected the community from Meccan threats?
No clan was allowed to help the Quraysh of Mecca.
What historical event increased the urgency to compile the Qur’an into a written book?
Battles where many reciters were killed, risking loss of the Qur’anic text.
Why did the Meccan leaders plan to assassinate the Prophet before the Hijra?
They feared he was gaining support in Yathrib and would become too influential
Why does the Muslim calendar begin with the Hijra?
It marks the start of the Muslim community (Umma) as a social, political, and spiritual existence.
What does the story of the Prophet helping build the mosque reveal about his leadership?
He led by example through humility, hard work, and equality.
How did the Charter of Medina show early examples of religious pluralism?
It granted Jews equal support and protection as long as they upheld the agreement.
What is the difference between revelation (wahy), recitation, and compilation?
Revelation: Qur’an sent to the Prophet through angel Gabriel
Recitation: The Prophet taught it orally to the community
Compilation: Later written and collected into a book form
According to tradition, what role did Hazrat Ali (a) play during the assassination attempt?
He slept in the Prophet’s bed, wearing his cloak to protect him while the Prophet escaped.
What does the term yar-i ghar (“friend of the cave”) refer to, and why is it significant?
It refers to Hazrat Abu Bakr -showing loyalty and companionship during the Hijra.
How did the early community in Medina break the old tribal system?
By creating a community united by faith (Umma), not tribal lineage.
How did the Charter of Medina redefine identity for the residents of Yathrib?
It replaced tribal identity with a shared identity as one community (ummah).
What are the main sources we use to learn about the Prophet’s life?
Primary sources (Qur’an and Hadith) and secondary sources (history and Sira/biography books).