– Abul Faiz Azmi
It was still freezing cold today. The weather was so bitter that it had been days since anyone had seen the sun. The dense fog and mist made it nearly impossible to see anything nearby. The children’s schools had been closed for quite some time, and though their winter holidays were about to end, the intensifying cold suggested the holidays might be extended.
Although schools were closed, daily instructions kept coming from the school for the children. Republic Day, January 26, was approaching, and, as in previous years, the school was planning a grand program. Preparations had already begun, and the children in the house were participating as well. A special teacher was assigned to oversee this event, regularly calling the children to provide instructions.
The house was bustling with the noise of children due to the school closure. One child would search for their notebook, another couldn’t find their book, someone needed a pen, and another was worried about their cricket bat. Amidst all this, some children were preoccupied with the upcoming Republic Day program.
Grandmother, sitting in her room, would observe everything with a smile. That evening, after the Isha prayer, she called Khansa to gather all the children. The news spread like wildfire in the house, and the children were overjoyed. They loved spending time with Grandmother and listening to her stories.
After Isha, all the children gathered in her room. Grandmother, who usually took her time with lengthy prayers, shortened her prayer that day to join the children. After a brief silence, Hafsa spoke up, “Grandmother, please tell us a story.” Grandmother smiled and said, “Alright, but first, each of you must share something about yourself, and then we’ll begin the story.”
One by one, the children started talking about themselves and their school activities. When everyone had finished, Grandmother asked, “Why is Republic Day celebrated in your school?” Khansa replied, “Republic Day isn’t just celebrated in our school; it’s observed throughout India because the democratic constitution of India came into effect on January 26.”
Grandmother smiled at Khansa’s response and said, “You all know about Republic Day. Today, I’ll tell you about the Constitution of Medina. Can anyone tell me what that is?” Her question was met with silence, and the children looked at each other. Finally, Ammar said, “Grandmother, may I try?”
Encouraging him with a gesture, she said, “Go ahead.”
Ammar explained, “When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated to Medina, a treaty was established between the Jews and Muslims, which is called the Constitution of Medina.”
Grandmother praised Ammar for his answer and said, “Alright, let me tell you more about the Constitution of Medina.” The children eagerly responded, “Yes, Grandmother, please tell us!”
Grandmother began:
“My dear children, when our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions faced severe hardships in Makkah, Allah commanded them to migrate to Medina. Following this divine command, most Muslims gradually moved to Medina. The Prophet (peace be upon him) and his closest companion, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), were among the last to arrive.
When they reached Medina, the situation there was dire. The city was under the control of the Jews, who exploited the simple-hearted people, charged exorbitant interest on loans, and spread fabricated religious beliefs to misguide the masses.
However, with the arrival of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the spread of Islam, the evil practices began to diminish. Hearts filled with hatred and bitterness transformed into ones full of love. The people of Medina not only understood the beauty of Islam but also started to practice it.
A few months later, the Prophet (peace be upon him) established a treaty with the Jews, which became known as the Constitution of Medina. This was the first written agreement in history, drafted under the supervision of the Prophet (peace be upon him).”
Grandmother paused and then added, “This treaty marked the first formal agreement between Muslims and Jews.”
The children listened attentively. After a while, Fauzan asked, “Grandmother, what were the terms of the treaty between the Muslims and Jews?”
Grandmother replied, “It’s quite late now. I’ll tell you about it another day.”
Respecting her decision, the children greeted her and went back to their rooms.
