Social Welfare in Medina during the 9th and 10th Hijri Centuries / 15th and 16th Calendar Centuries: A Historical and Cultural Study

Abstract

Social welfare in Medina during the 9^th and 10^th centuries AH (15^th and 16^th centuries AD) was of paramount importance in addressing the needs of both individuals and communities. This period was marked by significant political events and historical shifts, most notably the transfer of power in Medina, and more broadly in the Hejaz region, from the Abbasid State to the Mamlūk state. These changes significantly impacted social welfare in Medina, particularly as its population grew as people migrated from all parts of the Islamic world to this city. The Mamlūk sultans paid close attention to Medina due to its sacred status, providing it with comprehensive care and support. Their aim was to gain divine reward and consolidate their religious authority in Medina and the Hejaz region as a whole by offering social welfare programs.

This research focuses on the social welfare provided to the individuals and communities of Medina, ensuring a dignified and prosperous life by providing them with mosques, hospices, and support for intellectual pursuits, as well as establishment of educational institutions, endowments of scholarly books, encouragement of students, security measures, and other social services. The research consists of an introduction in which the importance of the research, its questions, objectives and methodology are stated, followed by several sections, and ends up with a conclusion that contains the most important findings that have been reached by the research.