Islam Spreads to Yathrib (Madinah

ISLAM SPREADS TO YATHRIB (MADINAH) In the thirteenth year of prophethood, seventy-two Muslims from Yathrib came for the Hajj. On behalf of their people, they invited the Prophet to make Yathrib his home. During the pilgrimage, they also took the oath known as the Second Pledge of Aqabah. These men from Yathrib, of the tribes of Aws and Khazraj, pledged to protect the Prophet from his enemies. However, for all this sacrifice on their part, they wanted the Prophet to promise them only one thing: that when he had gained power, he would not leave them and return to Makkah. The Prophet replied: “You have that assurance. I am yours, and you are mine.” (Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah - Ibn Hisham, Vol. 1, p. 442) Then the Muslims began to emigrate to Yathrib in large numbers to escape persecution at the hands of the Quraysh. Finally, only the Prophet, Abu Bakr and a few Muslims were left in Makkah. This enraged the Quraysh, for Islam was strengthening its roots in Yathrib. They were greatly alarmed that their enemies were gaining a firm foothold. There was