The Illuminated City: Why Ancient Medina is the Ideal Humanitarian Model for the Treatment of Migrants and Refugees

2 days ago

Immigration and asylum have undeniably become incredibly controversial and divisive topics in various parts of the world, often sparking heated debates in all spheres of society (particularly family dinners). To put in more Shakespearean rhetoric, “To deport or not deport” or “To import or not to import” –are indeed questions depending on where you are in the world. Collectively, we seem to be stuck between constructing a welcome gate or building a towering wall (the 2024 US election result shows the latter choice to be more popular). Yet, this was not the common sentiment during the pre-modern times, most notably the Islamic era. This article will give insight into ancient Islamic Medina and what can be learned and implemented into our modern societies.

And so, it begins…

Imagine this: you’re in the sunbaked deserts of Mecca, at the very heart of the Arabian Peninsula in the 6th century AD. The vibrant streets of Mecca are bustling with energy; merchants are loudly calling out their prices, horses neigh, donkeys shuffle their carts, and camels lazily rest in the shade. Amidst this lively scene, you hear the whispers—rumours of an emerging religion and a new prophet. Like many others, you casually dismiss them and continue with your day. But as months pass, this intriguing religion gains fervent followers, flourishing spectacularly and capturing attention for the devotion of its adherents and the outstanding moral character of its prophet. Suddenly, it’s no longer a temporary fuel for gossip circles but a pressing problem—a threat to the very fabric of a culture steeped in enslavement, abuse, and exploitation.

The religion's message of monotheism, ethics, equality, and intrinsic dignity in all human life threatened the foundations of the elite: It challenged slave traders, disrupted tribal hierarchies, and undermined the authority of powerful pagan leaders and priests. To maintain the status quo, the upper class knew they must unite urgently to eradicate a profound threat to their dominance and perceived superiority.

What begins as ostracisation—disregard cloaked in mildly disguised contempt—quickly escalates into outright bullying, verbal abuse, and mockery. Just when it seems like things couldn’t possibly get worse, they do. It spirals into harsh economic sanctions, physical abuse, brutal torture, and horrifying murder. The city that once felt like a safe haven from your childhood, the country you would have proudly lived in and ultimately died for, transforms into a nightmarish hellscape where death and conspiracy loom and peace feel like a distant, forgotten dream.

The believers and their prophet (peace be upon him) bear the storm at first, some silently hiding their belief and secretly testifying to their conversion in the shadows, while others more daring proudly proclaimed their following and called for enemies to come at them. Of course, the repercussions of both actions were equally horrifying, with believers being tied up and crucified under the sun, branded with burning hot coals on their backs or cruelly whipped and beaten red, black, and blue for the mere sin of believing in one God.

After 12 years of continuous persecution by the pagan elite and the countless and exceedingly more daring assassination attempts on the prophet, it became clear that the flower of Islam would wither in the poisonous soil of the current Meccan society that becomes more murderous by the minute. And so, under a divine commandment, the prophet and his companions flee to Medina in the dead of the night to avoid the hitmen that still persistently tracked them throughout their journey. They hurry in the darkness, unaware that the dawn of hope and victory will bask them in its light.

The Anticipated Arrival and the Ansaar

After a two-week journey, the Prophet and his companions reached the outskirts of Medina, greeted by a jubilant crowd eagerly awaiting their arrival after news of their migration. This kind-hearted group, known as the "Ansaar," were the Muslims of Medina who embraced Islamic revelation and believed. The migrants honoured them with the title "Ansaar," meaning "Helpers" or, more precisely, "Those who aid or give victory." It was a noble title they wholeheartedly embodied and truly earned. The Ansaar's treatment of the migrants was a shining example of Islamic principles in action.

The Ansaar first welcomed the Meccan Muslim migrants warmly, with songs and poetry sung in praise of the prophet and grand welcome gatherings for his companions. They constantly reassured the Meccan migrants of their support, acceptance and love through both actions and speech, going as far as to give them preference over themselves in some cases. The Ansaar took it upon themselves as a duty to help the Meccan migrants adapt to life in Medina, acting as guides and substitute families, showing them the way and never making them feel like they were alien second-class citizens. They didn't make them camp outside in nylon tents that were neither warm in winter nor cool in the summer or leave them at the borders with one or two amenity bags and a cold, processed, half-hearted small meal to feed themselves and their families for the week. They didn't air drop aid boxes into the sea and let poor, malnourished, starving children chase after them just to convince themselves and the international community that they "helped". They opened their homes to accommodate, fed them from what they ate, clothed them with what they wore and only said what they would love to hear for themselves, too. True unparalleled hospitality.

The Ansaars understood how psychologically and emotionally painful it is to be evicted from your house and persecuted in your homeland for over a decade- the trauma of witnessing all that you built your whole life crumble and wither and be ripped from its soil overnight. The embarrassment and the depression that comes from reliance, need and lack. They, therefore, made it their utmost priority to offer economic support to the Meccan migrants, going as far as to split their business and profits with them and investing their energy into helping them establish livelihoods and securing their financial independence.

The Ansaar didn't stop there, though; they could've just dismissed it as a civil war and let their prejudiced propaganda-infested views lazily rationalise their disregard and saw what else was on TV tonight. Perhaps, they could've justified their xenophobia by making up stories of the migrants eating cats and dogs too, unfortunately, they were as smart as they were kind. The Ansaar abandoned all superficial titles and completely absorbed the migrants into their society.

What Can We Learn from the Ansaar?

Islamic faith:

What made the Ansaar so exceptional was their complete belief in revelation and their sincere desire to embody its teachings. Several verses in the Quran highlight the qualities present in the ideal believer that all Muslims should embody. This greatly inspired the Ansaar.

Emphasised Equality:

“O humanity! Indeed, we created you from a male and a female and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may get to know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most pious among you”. Helping eradicate prejudice based on race, tribe, or gender allows equal treatment for all people and pushes intercultural dialogue.

Selflessness (Ithar):

"And they give preference to others over themselves, even though they are in need." (Surah Al-Hashr 59:9). This is evident in the Ansaar literally and metaphorically taking the clothes off their back to give to the migrants.

"And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive." (Surah Al-Insan 76:8).

Divine provision and abundance:

“And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect." (Surah At-Talaq 65:2-3)

"And whatever you spend, He will replace it; and He is the best of providers." (Surah Saba 34:39). These verses emphasise trusting that God will provide for you regardless and replace and multiply what you give in charity.

Charity without expectation:

"[Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'" (Surah Al-Insan 76:9). This is seen in the Ansaar providing food for free to the migrants.

Protection from selfishness:

"And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be successful."(Surah Al-Hashr 59:9 and Surah At-Taghabun 64:16). The Ansaar viewed charity to the migrants as a spiritual exercise and purification ritual from greed.

Guaranteed reward in the afterlife:

“Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly – they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:274). This verse promises that those who give charity abundantly will have no fear or grief in the afterlife.

These verses emphasise the importance of selflessness, generosity, acceptance and compassion in Islam, which were exemplified by the Ansaar in their treatment of the Muhajirin (migrants).

Prophetic leadership:

In Medina, Prophet Muhammad set an extraordinary example of how to build an inclusive and united society. The Charter of Medina brought people from different religions and backgrounds together under one agreement, giving everyone equal rights and responsibilities. Migrants weren’t just taken in—they were welcomed with open arms through systems like the brotherhood initiative, which paired them with local families that volunteered to help them find work, settle in, and regain their dignity.

The Prophet himself stepped in to resolve conflicts, building bridges between communities and ensuring peace. His mosque wasn’t just a place of worship; it was the heart of the community—a space for learning, connecting, and belonging. At every step, his teachings emphasised respect and compassion for everyone, no matter where they came from, showing how vital it is to care for the emotional and psychological needs of newcomers.

Integration in Medina wasn’t forced or rushed. It was gradual and thoughtful, honouring the cultures of the migrants while inviting them into the shared life of the city. This approach didn’t just create harmony; it built a thriving, supportive society that stood as a shining example of humanity at its best.

Conclusion

By embracing these Islamic principles, ancient Medina, under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad, became a model society that successfully integrated migrants and refugees. It fostered social cohesion, economic prosperity, and mutual respect among diverse groups.

This historical example serves as a powerful reminder for modern societies grappling with migration and refugee crisis. No walls were built, no deportations were carried out, and no atrocities were committed. Instead, Medina stands as proof that immigration, guided by compassion, inclusive social policies, equitable civil planning and community centers, tactical diplomacy and education, can create harmonious communities that support one another in times of need. The Ansaar are a testimony and a prime example of the power of empathy, faith, and humanity.

We are interconnected, and the suffering of one inevitably affects us all. Oppression anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The Ansaar knew that the opportunity to provide help was a blessing to be cherished, not a power to gatekeep. Ignoring such struggles by building walls, whether physical or mental, reflects immaturity and a refusal to address root causes. Prioritizing self-interest and treating only symptoms of larger issues exacerbates division, hindering progress and collective growth.