Medina Charter Model For Inclusive Citizenship

---

 


As we embrace another blessed day of fasting in this sacred month, let us take a moment to reflect - not only on our devotion but on the collective strength of our community.
Ramadan is more than an individual journey; it is a time for renewal, self-discipline, and unity. It offers a chance to reconnect with history, reaffirm our values, and deepen our sense of responsibility toward society.
For our non-Muslim friends, this moment also provides insight into the moral and historical foundations that shape the Islamic perspective on governance and social harmony.
One of the most overlooked yet defining pillars of a nation’s strength is citizenship - the very essence of belonging, the balance of rights and responsibilities, and the collective duty to shape the destiny of a country.
In an era where globalisation and the relentless flow of information blur national identities, patriotism and civic duty appear to be diminishing.
Malaysia is not immune to this phenomenon. Disrespect toward the monarchy, disregard for national institutions, and increasing racial discord are alarming signs of a weakening civic consciousness.
These issues are not merely political or social grievances; they are symptomatic of a deeper erosion in the understanding of what it means to be a citizen.
But is this challenge new, or does history offer us a guiding light?
Medina Charter
The concept of citizenship is not foreign to Islam. More than 1,400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) introduced an unprecedented governance model - the Medina Charter.
Widely regarded as the world’s first written constitution, it laid the groundwork for an orderly, just, and pluralistic society.
It was a document that recognised and protected the rights of diverse communities while establishing a unified national identity based on mutual respect, loyalty, and adherence to the rule of law.
An Nabawi mosque in Medina, Saudi ArabiaCitizenship in Medina was not dictated by race, ethnicity, or religious affiliation.
Instead, it was founded on a shared commitment to uphold justice, defend the state, and maintain social harmony.
Those who accepted this social contract pledged allegiance to the constitution and the collective well-being of the society, regardless of their backgrounds.
This historical precedent holds valuable lessons for Malaysia today. If the spirit of the Medina Charter were truly internalised, many of the social conflicts and divisions we witness could be mitigated.
Laws and responsibility
Every modern state functions within a legal framework designed to ensure stability and governance.
Much like the Medina Charter, our Federal Constitution defines the structure of government, the rights and duties of its citizens, and the principles that uphold national sovereignty.
The Medina Charter championed several key tenets that remain highly relevant today. It institutionalised respect for religious and cultural differences, ensuring freedom of belief while encouraging coexistence.
It reinforced the idea of collective responsibility, where diverse groups worked together for the greater good of society. It fostered patriotism and loyalty, making it clear that every citizen had an obligation to uphold the dignity and sovereignty of the state.
If these principles were actively embraced, Malaysia’s multicultural fabric could flourish without the tensions that so often arise from misunderstanding, prejudice, or disregard for the nation’s legal and moral foundations.
Islam’s universal vision of statehood
Islam does not advocate segregation or exclusivity; it envisions a governance system that is just, inclusive and centred on the well-being of all its people.
Prophet Muhammad demonstrated that a nation is not merely defined by its dominant religion but by the shared values and responsibilities of its people in upholding justice, peace, and order.
The Quran affirms this philosophy: “And if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community, but they will not cease to differ.” (Surah Hud: 118)
Diversity is not a weakness but a divine reality of human existence. The challenge lies in managing differences with wisdom, tolerance, and cooperation - an approach that was exemplified by the Medina Charter and remains vital for Malaysia’s future.
Pillar of national sovereignty
A nation’s strength does not rest solely on its leaders, military, or economy; it is upheld by the integrity and responsibility of its citizens.
The Medina Charter underscored the importance of social contracts - binding agreements that define the relationship between individuals and the state.
Violating such agreements, whether through acts of sedition, dishonouring national institutions, or inciting division, is an assault on national stability and must be met with firm action.
The prophet eloquently captured the essence of national unity: “The example of believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is like that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” (Hadith, Sahih Muslim)
A nation is like a living body; when one part is harmed, the entire system suffers.
This analogy perfectly encapsulates the responsibilities of citizenship - when individuals uphold justice, respect their nation’s institutions, and work for the collective good, the entire society prospers.
But when these bonds are weakened by selfishness, division, or disregard for the law, the entire nation feels the strain.
Revisiting Medina Charter in modern governance
The Medina Charter is not a relic of the past; it is a guiding blueprint that continues to offer wisdom for nation-building today.
It provides a vision of citizenship that transcends race and religion, fostering a national identity based on justice, respect, and collective responsibility.
For Malaysia, which continues to navigate its path as a modern Islamic nation, the principles of the Medina Charter serve as a vital foundation for unity.
They reinforce the importance of law, social harmony, and mutual respect, ensuring that national progress is rooted in shared values rather than sectarian divides.
By embracing these principles, Malaysians - Muslims and non-Muslims alike - can strengthen the spirit of unity, respect, and patriotism that defines a resilient nation.
True citizenship is not just about holding a passport or abiding by the law - it is about understanding one’s role in safeguarding the future of the country.
It is about contributing to a society where every individual, regardless of background, feels a deep sense of belonging and responsibility.
The wisdom of the Medina Charter is as vital today as it was in the time of Prophet Muhammad. It shaped a civilisation - can it now inspire us to strengthen our own? - Mkini
MAHATHIR MOHD RAIS is a former Federal Territories Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional secretary.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

---