ANCESTRAL VALUES OF COEXISTENCE WITHIN YATHRIB (MEDINA)
The Banu Khazraj was a southern Arab tribe (Yemenites) that worshiped the goddess of Fate, “Manat,” before the arrival of Islam. Around the year 300, they migrated to Yathrib and formed an alliance with the Jewish tribes settled there. There were three Jewish tribes present in ancient Medina: Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Nadir and Banu Qurayza. In the 7th c., the Banu Khazraj played a pivotal role in enabling the Prophet of Islam to establish his residence in Yathrib. Many important Islamic figures known for their support to coexistence claimed to be descendant of the Banu Khazraj, such as the Nazari of Granada and the Nusaybah family of Jerusalem, Custodians of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
In the 7th c., the Banu Khazraj and the Banu Aus, two rival tribes in Yathrib, were engaged in a bitter feud. In an effort to find a resolution to the conflict, the leaders of the Banu Khazraj sought the help of King al-Harith ibn Jabalah, the Christian Ghassanid ruler.
Under the guidance of King al-Harith, a treaty known as the Pact of ‘Aqabah was signed between the Banu Khazraj and the Banu Aus. This pledge played a crucial role in the establishment of a supportive community in Yathrib that would later become the foundation of the early Muslim community.