🕌 The Landmark of Faith: AL-ʿAQABAH (العقبة)
Definition: AL-ʿAQABAH (العقبة) is a prominent historical site near Minā, celebrated as the scene of two significant pledges made by the early followers of the Prophet Muhammad, known as the first and second pledges of Al-ʿAqabah.
Etymology: The term “Al-ʿAqabah” (العقبة) in Arabic means “the obstacle” or “the neck of a road,” likely referring to the mountainous path that would have posed a significant barrier during journeys.
Background:
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The First Pledge of Al-ʿAqabah: In April 621 AD, ten men from the tribe of K͟hazraj and ten from Aus, pledged their allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad. They vowed:
- To worship only one God (Allah).
- To abstain from theft and adultery.
- Not to kill their children.
- Not to slander their neighbors.
- To obey the Prophet’s commands.
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The Second Pledge of Al-ʿAqabah: A few months later, seventy-three men and two women gathered at the same location and renewed their pledges with an expanded oath of fealty. Muhammad then named twelve leaders, akin to the apostles of Jesus, for their guidance, saying, “Moses chose from amongst his people twelve leaders… and I am surety for my people.”
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
The pledges of Al-ʿAqabah represent foundational commitments that encapsulate themes of monotheism, moral conduct, and loyalty—echoing similar covenants found in Abrahamic traditions, such as the pledges made by the Israelites in the Torah and the apostles in the New Testament.
Synonyms:
- Bai’at al-Aqabah
- Allegiance of Al-ʿAqabah
Antonyms:
- Renunciation
- Apostasy
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Bai’at (بيعة): A pledge of allegiance, especially in an Islamic context.
- Hijrah (هجْرة): The migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, which closely followed the pledges of Al-ʿAqabah.
- Ansar (أنصار): Literally “Helpers,” referring to the inhabitants of Medina who supported Muhammad and the early Muslims.
Exciting Facts:
- Both pledges took place under secrecy and in the dead of night to avoid persecution from the Quraysh tribe in Mecca.
- The first pledge is particularly significant as it marks the initial formal support for Muhammad outside his own tribe, effectively leading to the formation of an Islamic community in Medina.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
- Sir William Muir in “Life of Mahomet” reflects: “With fortitude, akin to the Apostles of Jesus, the early adherents of Islam forged a new community, grafted by their pledges made at Al-ʿAqabah with a resolve resonant of divine commitment."
References:
- Sir William Muir’s “Life of Mahomet”
- “The Sealed Nectar” by Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
- The Qurʾān, especially the references to bay’at (pledges) in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:12).
Suggested Literature & Other Sources for Further Study:
- “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet” by Tariq Ramadan
- “The First Muslim: The Story of Muhammad” by Lesley Hazleton
Quizzes about Al-ʿAqabah:
May your journey through the historic lanes of Al-ʿAqabah enlighten your understanding of the steadfast faith and loyalty enshrined in early Islamic tradition.
Farewell with Salaam and the pursuit of knowledge❗
— Malik Al-Hassan
