The Terms of the Pledge

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stood up and said, "I ask you to pledge that you will defend me as you do your women and children." Now this was an upgrade, a step higher than the earlier agreement at the first pledge of al-ʿAqabah. There, it was for them to become Muslim, so they pledged allegiance on becoming Muslim; but now an additional term was added to the contract, and that was offering the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) protection — a defensive protection. He also told them, in a different narration: "You must pledge to hear and obey at times of both action and inaction, to give whether times are hard or easy, and to advocate goodness and prohibit evil. You must speak out for Allah and not fear any blame for supporting Allah. You must help and defend me if I come to you in the same way you help and defend yourselves, your wives and your children." Notice here the clarity in the message of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): he was not coming to them just for them to protect him — he was to be their leader. They were to listen to him and obey him. And then he said, "And you fear no one but Allah." This could not be a move made with any fear left in the heart; a willingness to commit was required for this mission.