Q:List the main events in the pledges of Aqabah?

Pledges of Aqaba

After the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) failure to preach the message of faith at the valley of Taif, he returned to Makka and now shifted his attention towards the Hujjaj (pilgrim ofs) from Medina. They had come to Makka for performing the pilgrimage. It was in the 11th year of Prophethood that Prophet (PBUH) began his preaching to the Medinite pilgrims. He initially met six Khazraj pilgrims which included influential people like Swaid bin Samit, Eyas bin Muadh and Abu Zar Ghifari. These people accepted Islam and agreed with Prophet (PBUH) to preach whatever they have learnt from him, to their fellow Medinites. Because of them, the news of Islam started to spread in Medina.

In 12th year of Prophethood, 12 more pilgrims met Holy Prophet (PBUH) at Aqaba, in Mina valley during Hajj. They entered the fold of Islam and pledged to Prophet (PBUH) that they would preach the message of faith in Medina. They also pledged that they will not worship anyone except Allah and that they will not commit robbery or adultery. They further promised that they would not kill their newborn daughters, not utter slander and would not disobey Prophet (PBUH) in any way. After the pledge was take, Prophet (PBUH) said:

“He who carries it out, Allah will reward him and who neglects anything and is afflicted in this world; it may prove redemption for him in Hereafter.”

This was known as the First pledge of Aqaba.  After the pledge was taken, a teacher was sent to Medina, Musab bin Umair (R.A). he was sent to teach the people, the doctrines of Islam, give them practical guidance. He was also instructed to preach to other tribes in the area of propagation of Islam.

Because of if, in 13th year of Prophethood, a large deputation met Holy Prophet (PBUH) at Aqaba. It included 73 men and 2 women. Among them many of them were leaders and chiefs of Medina. They were already Muslims but came to pledge in the same place, where the first pledge had taken place, at Aqaba. They showed the desire of taking Prophet (PBUH) along them. Upon hearing this, Prophet’s (PBUH) uncle, Abbas (R.A), warned them that they could only take Prophet (PBUH) along with them if they could defend him against his enemies and do not surrender in any case or better leave Prophet (PBUH) in Makka. As he is already well defended and respected in her; by his followers. Other companions of Prophet (PBUH) also stressed on the dangers of inviting him to Medina without as such security measures against Makkans. Despite the argument, the pilgrims were not deterred. The terms of pledges included that Prophet (PBUH) would be listened and obeyed in every circumstance and Prophet (PBUH) also warned them to be prepared for living a life in plenty and as well as scarcity. They must enjoin good and forbid evil and will fear the censure of none but Allah. It also included Prophet (PBUH) must be defended in any case when he would seek for their help. Furthermore, the Medinites also made some offers which included to take Prophet (PBUH) along with them, now or later as their leader of Medina. They would always protect Prophet (PBUH) and would never leave him. The new converts were even ready to fight Makkans but Prophet (PBUH) denied this idea.