🏙️ YAS̤RIB (يثرب) - The Ancient Name for al-Madīnah
Comprehensive Definition
Yas̤rib (يثرب) is the ancient name for the city known today as al-Madīnah or Madīnatu ʾn-Nabī (مدينة النبي), meaning “the City of the Prophet.” It is mentioned once in the Qurʾān, specifically in Sūrah Al-Aḥzāb (33:13). The Prophet Muhammad reportedly changed the name from Yas̤rib to al-Madīnah to eliminate its negative connotations and to honor its transformation into a center of Islamic significance.
Etymology
The name Yas̤rib is traced back to the tribe of “Yathrib,” one of the ancient Arab tribes that inhabited the Arabian Peninsula. Some sources speculate that the name might be connected to the Hebrew root word y-ts-r-b, which could convey meanings of attributes associated with desert settlements or communities living alongside oases.
Background
Before becoming the destination for the Prophet Muhammad’s migration (Hijrah) from Mecca, Yas̤rib was a town largely inhabited by Jewish tribes and several Arab tribes. Its transformation to al-Madīnah occurred as it became the center of the early Islamic community following the Prophet’s arrival in 622 CE.
The Prophet’s Migration:
- Hijrah: This migration marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar and solidified Yas̤rib’s transformation into al-Madīnah.
- Political Significance: Al-Madīnah turned into the political capital of the nascent Islamic state under the Prophet’s leadership.
- Community and Brotherhood: It became a hallmark for establishing Islamic brotherhood among the various tribes and communities.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
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Pre-Islamic Yas̤rib:
- Primarily made up of Jewish and Pagan tribes.
- Known for inter-tribal conflicts and alliances.
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Post-Islamic al-Madīnah:
- Became a sanctuary of early Muslims.
- Established as the City of the Prophet, reflecting unity and brotherhood among Muslims.
Synonyms
- Al-Madīnah (المدينة): Current name signifying “The City.”
- Madīnat al-Nabī (مدينة النبي): “The City of the Prophet.”
Antonyms
As Yas̤rib and al-Madīnah don’t directly oppose any specific location, there’s no direct antonym, but terms like Jāhiliyyah (pre-Islamic era of ignorance) provide contextual opposition.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Hijrah (هِجْرَة): The migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Yas̤rib (al-Madīnah) in 622 CE.
- Ansār (أنصار): Literally “The Helpers,” referring to the original citizens of Medinah who welcomed and supported the Prophet and the Muhājirūn.
- Muhājirūn (مهاجرون): Emigrants who followed the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to al-Madīnah during the Hijrah.
Exciting Facts
- Islamic Calendar: The Islamic Hijri calendar begins from the year of the Prophet’s migration to al-Madīnah.
- Qurʾānic Mention: Yas̤rib is only mentioned once in the Qurʾān (Surah Al-Aḥzāb 33:13).
- Original Settlement: Yas̤rib existed as a community approximately 1,500 years before the arrival of Islam.
Quotations
-“When they said: O people of Yathrib, you cannot stand [against the enemy], therefore turn back. And a party of them asked permission of the Prophet, saying: Surely our houses are exposed; and they were not exposed; they only desired to flee away.” (Qurʾān 33:13)
References
- Ibn Hisham, “The Life of Muhammad.”
- Karen Armstrong, “Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet.”
Suggested Literature
- “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings.
- “The Sealed Nectar: Biography of the Noble Prophet” by Saifur Rahman al-Mubarakpuri.
Thought-Provoking Farewell
May your understanding of the rich heritage of early Islamic history deepen, and may the transformation of Yas̤rib to Madīnah inspire you to see the potential for positive change in all environments.
Sincerely,
Hassan Al-Hakeem
