The Founders of Civilisation: The Vision and Mission of Youth in the First Pledge of Aqabah

Long before the city of Yatsrib changed its name to the radiant Medina (Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah), it was a bloody battleground between tribes, particularly the Aus and Khazraj. Amidst the sociological exhaustion caused by prolonged conflict (the Bu’ath War), a group of youths and figures from Yatsrib sought a way out. This search led them to a historic meeting in a mountain pass at Mina, later known as the First Pledge of Aqabah (Bai’at Aqabah I) in the 12th year of Prophethood.

This event was not merely an ordinary oath of allegiance, but a declaration of ‘Vision and Mission’ by progressive youth to break the chains of ignorance (Jahiliyah) and build a new, civilised order.

Key Youth Figures Behind the Scenes

The pledge was attended by 12 representatives from Yatsrib (10 from the Khazraj tribe and 2 from the Aus tribe). Some of the key figures who strongly represented the spirit of youth in this event included:

As’ad bin Zurarah: He was one of the youngest figures and a leader of the Khazraj tribe with the most open mind. He was not only an early initiator who accepted Islam a year earlier, but also turned his home into the first base for preaching in Yatsrib.

Ubadah bin As-Samit: A resilient youth who later became the primary narrator of the hadith concerning the contents of this First Pledge of Aqabah. He represented a youth who firmly upheld commitment and integrity.

Mus’ab bin Umair (The First Youth Envoy): Although he did not take the oath himself (as he was from Mecca), Mus’ab was a central figure after the pledge. Dispatched by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Yatsrib, this aristocratic youth who willingly abandoned his luxury served as an ambassador, teacher, and skilled negotiator executing the Aqabah ‘mission’ on the ground.

Vision and Mission of the Youth of the First Aqabah

If we dissect the contents of the oath of allegiance pledged by these 12 figures (also known as Bai’at An-Nisa), we find a highly visionary blueprint for a social movement. The following is a formulation of their Vision and Mission when discussed in the context of today’s youth movements:

Core Vision: ‘To realise a new, peaceful, civilised, and accountable social order through the foundation of spirituality (Tawhid) and high moral integrity.’

The youth of Yatsrib realised that peace between the Aus and Khazraj tribes could not be achieved merely through ordinary political treaties. A revolution in thinking and a moral revolution were necessary.

Movement Missions (Based on the Points of Bai’at Aqabah I)

To achieve this grand vision, these youths committed to carrying out six main missions:

1. The Mission of Spiritual Liberation (Not associating partners with God):

Liberating the intellect and mind from all forms of polytheism, superstition, and blind ancestral traditions. Youth must be free and submit only to the truth of the One Almighty God.

2. The Mission of Social and Economic Integrity (Not stealing):

Rejecting all forms of exploitation, corruption, and taking the rights of others. Youth committed to building an honest society and earning a living in an honourable manner.

3. The Mission of Preserving Moral Purity (Not committing adultery):

Rejecting the Jahiliyah lifestyle that degrades human dignity. This mission demanded that youth guard their personal honour, control their desires, and build healthy family institutions.

4. The Mission of Protecting Human Rights and Vulnerable Groups (Not killing children):

Ending cruel traditions such as burying infant girls alive. This was a youth declaration to protect human rights, especially for the weakest who could not defend themselves.

5. The Mission of Public Honesty (Not slandering or defaming):

Guarding the tongue and rejecting the spread of hoaxes, slander, or character assassination. Youth must become agents of truth, not provocateurs who divide society.

6. The Mission of Discipline and Obedience (Not disobeying in matters of good):

Building solid leadership. Youth were taught to obey and be loyal to leaders as long as those leaders brought goodness and truth (ma’ruf).

Resonance for Today’s Youth

The First Pledge of Aqabah was not about taking up arms or devising war strategies. This pledge was purely about a moral revolution. The first step taken by the youth of Yatsrib to change their city was to improve themselves through the six missions above. They proved that great social change always begins with a strong moral commitment within the hearts of its youth. Before they became protectors for others (in the Second Pledge of Aqabah), they had to ensure that their own integrity was unshakeable.