THE ETHICS OF ASYLUM IN EARLY MUSLIM SOCIETY

This article examines the historical events related to asylum for Muslim refugees in the formative years of Islam and its impact upon the development of the first Muslim community in Medina. This article is also part of an ongoing historical study to identify socio-political and humanitarian responses to refugee populations in Muslim civilizations. The research aims to analyse the standards of treatment meted out to refugees in Muslim history and to draw parallels between identified historical examples and the modern refugee protection regime. A historical demonstration of Islamic approaches to refugee protection would be an invaluable guide for present-day policy makers, particularly Muslim governments, to craft responses to contemporary refugee issues which are in keeping with established Islamic principles and practices.