Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages

by Dan Jones

He drafted a deal known as the Constitution of Medina that united the bickering factions there in a community, or umma, bonded by faith—faith above blood, faith above tribal loyalties, faith above everything. Before long he was the leader of the city and had begun to construct a spiritual and legal polity that was far more than a simple federation of tribal allies. It was, even in its emerging form, the first Islamic state. Within this state, political solidarity, monotheism, and religious obedience were one and the same. Islam informed everything—it was a complete way of life. This absolutism, which became increasingly pronounced during Islam’s early medieval history, would come to be its attraction, its strength, and its inherent menace to those who had not yet submitted to its teachings. When the Muslims arrived in Medina, they were in the habit of praying toward Jerusalem, but soon afterward Muhammad adjusted their sights, and his followers began the practice of praying in the direction of Mecca. They also took aim at Meccan trade, making a living by robbing caravan trains. This was a precarious way to get by, and in March 624 one large caravan raid turned into a full-scale battle—the battle of Badr—a handsome, against-the-odds victory in the face of vastly superior force. More battles followed. Not all went the Muslims’ way: they were defeated by the Meccans at the battle of Uhud in 625, and Medina was almost lost at the battle of the Trench in 627. But as the decade ...