The Values of the Medina Charter in Developing Islamic Political Ethics

Abstract

This study examines the constitutional values of the Charter of Medina and their relevance to the development of political ethics in a pluralistic society. The inquiry stems from the premise that the presence of political norms and institutions does not automatically produce governance that is just, accountable, and respectful of diversity. This research aims to analyze the construction of political values within the Charter of Medina, its constitutional character, and its contribution to the formation of political ethics. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the study employs library research and descriptive-analytical methods grounded in historical and hermeneutic readings of the Charter of Medina and relevant academic literature. The findings demonstrate that the Charter of Medina establishes a normative framework linking political life to justice, legal order, respect for pluralism, collective responsibility, and the ethical management of power. These values not only regulate inter-community relations but also constrain power within normative boundaries through shared responsibility, mutual protection, and compliance with political agreements. Theoretically, while the Charter of Medina is not identical to modern constitutions or democracies, it possesses a constitutional character that serves as a reflective resource for constructing political ethics in pluralistic societies. This study contributes to Islamic political studies by demonstrating that the constitutional dimension of the Charter of MedinaThis study examines the constitutional values of the Charter of Medina and their relevance to the development of political ethics in a pluralistic society. The inquiry stems from the premise that the presence of political norms and institutions does not automatically produce governance that is just, accountable, and respectful of diversity. This research aims to analyze the construction of political values within the Charter of Medina, its constitutional character, and its contribution to the formation of political ethics. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the study employs library research and descriptive-analytical methods grounded in historical and hermeneutic readings of the Charter of Medina and relevant academic literature. The findings demonstrate that the Charter of Medina establishes a normative framework linking political life to justice, legal order, respect for pluralism, collective responsibility, and the ethical management of power. These values not only regulate inter-community relations but also constrain power within normative boundaries through shared responsibility, mutual protection, and compliance with political agreements. Theoretically, while the Charter of Medina is not identical to modern constitutions or democracies, it possesses a constitutional character that serves as a reflective resource for constructing political ethics in pluralistic societies. This study contributes to Islamic political studies by demonstrating that the constitutional dimension of the Charter of Medina can be understood as a normative framework integrating law, power, diversity, and political morality can be understood as a normative framework integrating law, power, diversity, and political morality