The First Written Constitution in the World

The First Written Constitution in the World examines the Constitution of Medina, created by Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE. The text presents historical evidence and analysis to support the claim that this document predates other known written constitutions. Muhammad Hamidullah provides translations and commentary on the original constitutional text, which established rights and responsibilities for the diverse religious and tribal communities of Medina. The book details the document's structure, its articles, and the historical context of its creation. The work outlines the constitution's implementation and impact on early Islamic governance, including its provisions for religious freedom, collective defense, and social cooperation. Hamidullah draws upon primary sources and archaeological findings to reconstruct the political and social landscape of 7th century Arabia. This scholarly examination raises questions about the origins of constitutional law and challenges conventional narratives about the development of structured governance. The text invites consideration of how early Islamic society approached pluralism and civic organization.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Muhammad Hamidullah's overall work: Readers consistently highlight Hamidullah's clear writing style and ability to present complex Islamic concepts to both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences. His "Introduction to Islam" receives particular attention for its systematic organization and accessible explanations. What readers liked: - Detailed references to primary sources - Balanced presentation of historical facts - Clear explanations of Islamic legal concepts - Academic rigor without being overly technical - Inclusion of historical documents and treaties What readers disliked: - Some find his writing style dry and academic - Older translations can feel dated - Limited availability of some works in English - Some readers note occasional gaps in citation Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Introduction to Islam: 4.2/5 (300+ ratings) - The Prophet's Establishing a State: 4.0/5 (100+ ratings) Amazon: - Introduction to Islam: 4.5/5 (50+ reviews) - The Muslim Conduct of State: 4.3/5 (30+ reviews) One reader noted: "His approach combines scholarly depth with practical explanations that make Islamic principles understandable to newcomers."

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🔷 Muhammad Hamidullah discovered the ancient Medina Constitution document while conducting research at libraries in Turkey and Europe, bringing attention to what many scholars consider the first written constitutional text in history. 🔷 The Medina Constitution, written in 622 CE, established rights and responsibilities for multiple religious and ethnic groups, including Muslims, Jews, and pagans, creating one of history's earliest examples of a pluralistic society governed by written law. 🔷 Author Muhammad Hamidullah was fluent in 22 languages and translated the Qur'an into French, making Islamic texts more accessible to Western readers in the mid-20th century. 🔷 The book analyzes how the Medina Constitution preceded the Magna Carta by nearly 600 years in establishing principles of representative governance and protection of minority rights. 🔷 As a scholar at the Sorbonne in Paris, Hamidullah's work on the Medina Constitution helped bridge Islamic and Western constitutional thought, influencing modern discussions about religious pluralism and constitutional democracy.