Pledges Of Al Aqabah

 

In the 11^th year of prophet hood, six pilgrims from the tribe of Khazraj in Yathrib came to Makkah. The prophet called them to Islam and they embraced faith.

First Pledge Of Al – Aqabah:

Next year 12 people from Yathrib met the Prophet at Aqabah, near Makkah and accepted faith, agreed to abstain from idol worship, cruelity and false hood, lead a righteous life and believe in one God.

This was called the first pledge of Al- Aqabah.

These newly converts promised to spread islam in Yathrib. Prophet (P.b.u.h) sent Masab bin Omair to preach Islam to the residents of Yathrib.

Second Pledge Of Al – Aqabah:

In the 13^th year of prophet hood, a delegation consisting of about 70 people includinf women came from yathrib to take the same pledge whixh was now called the 2^nd pledge of Al – Aqabah.

They also invited the prophet to Yathrib and pledged full support for him and his followers and also invited him to come to Yathrib as their leader.

Importance:

• Prophet’s  attempt to gain support from other places (e.g. in Al Taif) failed earlier, so this was a new hope for Muslims.
• Tribal system within this time and difficulties he faced without protection within the Quraish.
• The pledges of Al Aqabah gave hope to the Muslims and the prophet as they found support and protection from a different but willing source.
• New life for Islam and Muslims and boosted the Morales of Muslims.
• Muslim community can be established that can have its own laws.