Brotherhood between the Muhajarin and Ansar

Another amazing achievement which affected the Muslim society even more and left a deeper impact on Islamic history was the stability of the new Islamic nation. One of the first blessed steps was the formation of a brotherhood between the Muhajareen (Immigrants from Mecca) and Ansar (Helpers from Medinah), a brotherhood which ignored any difference in lineage, colour or place of birth, and removed any prejudice of the times of ignorance. In this way, it was the strongest form of support in the building and establishment of the new Muslim society in Medinah.

Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) established this brotherhood between the Muhajareen and Ansar in the house of Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him). It involved 90 men, half from the Muhajareen and half from the Ansar. Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) formed a brotherhood between them, due to which each one had to help his brother, to the extent that the two new brothers could inherit from each other. But this condition was later abrogated with Allah’s saying, {But, according to the Book of Allah, the blood relations have a greater right on one another} [Surah Al-Ahzab: 6].

In fact, this brotherhood was stronger than the natural brotherhood due to blood. Al-Ansar demonstrated a beautiful model and great example in practically demonstrating the meaning of generosity, equality and selflessness. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Ansar said to Prophet Muhammed to divide the palm trees between them and their brothers. Prophet Muhammed replied saying no. The Ansar said, ‘(Alright.) You farm (the land) and we share the produce.’ The Muharijeen answered, ‘We agree” [related by Al-Bukhari].

Abdurrahman ibn Auf (may Allah be pleased with him) told us about the effect of this brotherhood, saying that when they reached Medinah, Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) established a brotherhood between him and Saad ibn Ar-Rabee’a (may Allah be pleased with him). Saad said, “I am the richest one among the Ansar. I will give you half of my money, and see which of my wives you like and I will divorce her for you to marry her after her waiting period.” Abdurrahman replied, “I do not need all that. (But) is there a market where I can trade?” Saad answered, “Qaynuqah Market.” And Abdurrahman went there [related by Al-Bukhari].