MEDINA, CONSTITUTION OF

document based upon two agreements concluded between the clans of Medina and the Prophet Muhammad soon after the Hegira, or emigration to Medina in AD 622. The agreements established the muhajirun, i.e., the early Muslims who followed Muhammad, on a par with the eight clans of Medina (called the ansar, or helpers); collectively, the nine tribes formed the first Muslim community (umma). The agreements also regulated the relations of the Muslims with the Jews of Medina.