06/17/2026
Article by: Imam Deif (Al Azhar Islamic Foundation Imam)
The First Civil and Social Rights Established by the Prophet ﷺ in Madinah
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah and held his first public gathering with its people, he did not begin by speaking about construction, economics, or political organization. Rather, he began by building the individual and strengthening the foundations upon which society stands. He said:
“Spread peace, feed others, maintain family ties, and pray at night while people are asleep, and you will enter Paradise in peace.”
In this early Prophetic guidance, we find the foundations of a balanced society—one built first upon the human being and upon restoring the relationships that form its social fabric through four integrated dimensions:
1. Establishing Peaceful Relations Among People
“Spread peace.”
In the Prophetic vision, peace is not limited to offering greetings verbally; rather, it begins within the heart—with purity, freedom from hatred, resentment, and envy. It then manifests outwardly through mercy, gentleness, good character, and respect for others.
It is also noteworthy that our religion is called Islam, a word rooted in meanings of peace and submission, as if faith itself is meant to become a source of tranquility that extends into society.
2. Establishing Social Solidarity and Responsibility
“Feed others.”
The society envisioned by the Prophet ﷺ is not a collection of isolated individuals. Rather, it is a community in which people recognize the needs of those around them, feed the hungry, support the vulnerable, and help relieve hardship.
Feeding others here extends beyond the literal act of giving food; it symbolizes generosity, social responsibility, and building a compassionate society grounded in care rather than self-interest.
3. Establishing and Preserving Family Bonds
“Maintain family ties.”
The Prophet ﷺ then moved to strengthening the family structure, recognizing it as the first building block of a stable society.
The Arabic word for kinship (raḥim) is linguistically connected to one of Allah’s Names, Ar-Raḥmān (The Most Merciful)—reflecting that these relationships are meant to be built upon mercy, care, and compassion. Thus, maintaining family ties is not merely a social custom but an act of worship and a reflection of faith.
4. Establishing the Relationship Between Human Beings and Their Lord
“Pray at night while people are asleep.”
After establishing human relationships, the Prophet ﷺ directed attention to the relationship that nourishes and sustains all the others: the relationship with Allah.
Night prayer is not merely a private act of worship; it is a source of purification, inner balance, and spiritual renewal that strengthens one’s ability to show kindness and maintain healthy relationships.
When this relationship with Allah is strong, its effects naturally extend into every other aspect of life.
The Ultimate Goal: Journeying Together Toward Allah
The Prophet ﷺ concluded by saying:
“…and you will enter Jannah in peace.”
This ending reminds us that peace among people, social solidarity, family connection, and worship are not ends in themselves. Rather, they are means leading toward the ultimate goal: the pleasure of Allah and entry into Jannah.
A believer does not serve others for recognition, maintain family ties merely out of custom, or worship out of routine. Instead, Allah becomes the destination and Paradise the final aspiration.
There is perhaps a profound reminder here in the story of humanity itself: Jannah was where human history began, and this worldly life is our place of growth, responsibility, mercy, and obedience—until we return to our original home.
For this reason, the Prophet ﷺ sought to establish a society built upon peace, compassion, solidarity, and shared devotion—so that people may journey together toward Allah and ultimately:
“Enter Jannah in peace.”
We ask Allah to make us among the people of peace in this life and among those granted eternal peace when we meet Him, and to admit us into Jannah in peace. Āmīn.
By: Imam Deif (Imam of Al-Azhar Islamic Foundation مؤسسة الأزهر الإسلامية بشيكاغو)
