Which was the first capital of Islamic commonwealth?

The correct answer is Madina. The establishment of Madina (formerly known as Yathrib) as the first capital of the Islamic commonwealth represents one of the most significant turning points in world history. This transition occurred in 622 AD, following the Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Makkah. While Makkah remained the spiritual heart and the site of the Holy Kaaba, it was Madina that evolved into the administrative, political, and military nerve center of the burgeoning Islamic state.

The Birth of the Commonwealth

Upon arriving in Madina, the Prophet (PBUH) did not merely establish a place of worship; he laid the foundation for a sophisticated social and political system. The city was renamed Madinat-un-Nabi (The City of the Prophet). To govern this diverse population, which included the Muhajirun (migrants from Makkah), the Ansar (local helpers), and various Jewish tribes, a written constitution known as the Charter of Madina (Mithaq-e-Madina) was drafted. This document is often cited by historians as the world’s first written constitution, effectively turning the city into a "commonwealth" where different groups enjoyed religious freedom and collective security.

Administrative and Political Functions

As the capital, Madina served as the primary seat of government. It was from here that legislative decisions were made, treaties were negotiated, and foreign delegations were received. The Masjid-e-Nabwi (The Prophet's Mosque) acted not only as a prayer hall but also as the supreme court and the parliament of the state. It was the location where the Shura (consultative assembly) met to discuss matters of public importance, including economic policies and the distribution of resources.

During this period, the city oversaw the organization of the first Muslim army. All major military expeditions and defensive strategies, such as the Battle of Badr and the Battle of the Trench, were planned and launched from Madina. The city’s strategic location along the trade routes between Yemen and Syria allowed the Islamic state to exercise significant economic and political influence over the Arabian Peninsula.

The Era of the Rashidun Caliphate

Madina’s status as the capital continued through the golden age of the Khulafa-e-Rashidun (The Rightly Guided Caliphs). Under the leadership of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), Hazrat Umar (RA), and Hazrat Uthman (RA), the Islamic commonwealth expanded rapidly, reaching the borders of the Byzantine and Sassanid Empires. Despite governing vast territories across North Africa and the Middle East, the Caliphs continued to rule from the modest administrative offices in Madina, maintaining the city's role as the epicenter of global Islamic authority.