Understanding the roots of Islamic social activism: The Pact of Chivalry

“Even if red camels were offered to me in exchange for the Pact of Chivalry, I would not accept them.” – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Azzad has taken on a leading role in financial activism and social justice of late. This is inspired in part by an instance in the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he joined the Hilf-ul-Fudul, or Pact of Chivalry. The Pact of Chivalry was an agreement among certain tribes of Arabia that began prior to Muhammad’s prophethood. Its purpose was largely economic, aiming to ensure safe and orderly access to markets and eliminate oppression and injustice. It was the result of a shaky truce among tribes following one of Arabia’s many wars in the sixth century CE. Part non-aggression pact and part social justice regime, the group’s members pledged to help — without discrimination — anyone who had been wronged in Mecca, to aid the weak and downtrodden against the powerful. Muhammad’s clan, and by extension the man himself, agreed to take part. One of the most important clauses in the oath of the Pact of Chivalry was a call for “equity in society.” This meant that even the humblest