The Prophet enters Madinah

After performing the Friday prayer, the Prophet and his entourage left for Madinah. Jubilant crowds of men, women and children greeted him, and the narrow lanes of Madinah resounded with their happy voices. Women and children sang their welcome in a song that even now is sung by Muslims in memory of that happy day when, like the full moon, the Prophet appeared among his people: “The full moon has appeared before us. We must give thanks when called to Allah. You, who have been sent to us, bring commands that will be obeyed.”

As the Prophet rode through the streets of Madinah, people would take hold of his camel’s halter and invite the Prophet to stay with them. “Let the she-camel go her way,” the Prophet would say. “She is guided by Allah.” Finally, the shecamel knelt, but the Prophet did not dismount. The animal rose to its feet again, ambled ahead for some distance, and then turned back and knelt in the same place it had before. The Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid Al-Nabawi) was erected on this very spot.

Many people vied with each other to give shelter to the Prophet , but it was Abu Ayyub Ansari who hurried to lift the saddle from the she-camel and took it to his home. The Prophet remarked humorously, “A man must follow his saddle,” and went along with Abu Ayyub. Asad bin Zurara took hold of the halter, so he was allowed to take care of the animal. The Ansar chiefs tried to outdo each other in welcoming the Prophet . Each night the Prophet would receive at least three or four trays of food. Everyone wanted the Prophet to know that he had found a new home among his followers.