According to whom is the Charter of Madinah considered the world's first written constitution?

The correct answer is Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah. The Charter of Madinah, also known as the Constitution of Madinah, is an important document from the early Islamic period. Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah, a renowned Islamic scholar and researcher, described it as one... Read More

1 ISLAMIC STUDIES MCQS

According to whom is the Charter of Madinah considered the world's first written constitution?

  • Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah
  • Allama Iqbal
  • Shah Waliullah
  • None of These
Correct Answer: A. Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah

Detailed Explanation

The correct answer is Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah. The Charter of Madinah, also known as the Constitution of Madinah, is an important document from the early Islamic period. Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah, a renowned Islamic scholar and researcher, described it as one of the earliest written constitutional documents and is widely associated with the view that it was the first written constitution of the world.


The Charter was established after the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to Madinah. At that time, Madinah consisted of different tribes and religious communities. The document provided a framework for peaceful coexistence, mutual responsibilities, security, and cooperation among these groups.


Important Points



  • Document: Charter of Madinah

  • Also called: Constitution of Madinah

  • Associated scholar: Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah

  • Period: Early Madinan period

  • Purpose: Establishing rules for coexistence and mutual responsibilities

  • Importance: A major early written political and social agreement


The Charter addressed relationships between the Muhajirun, Ansar, and other groups living in Madinah. It established principles concerning mutual protection, justice, responsibility, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.


One of the important features of the Charter was that it recognized the different communities living in Madinah while establishing a shared political framework. It helped create a sense of collective responsibility and provided arrangements for defending the city against external threats.


Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah studied the Charter extensively and highlighted its importance in the development of constitutional and political thought. His research brought considerable attention to the document as an early example of a written political agreement governing a diverse community.


The Charter of Madinah is therefore an important topic in Islamic History and Islamic Studies. It demonstrates how Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established an organized community in Madinah based on principles of justice, cooperation, responsibility, and peaceful coexistence.

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