Protective Measures and Intelligence System during the Makan Period: An Analytical Study in the Light of the Prophetic Biography (Seerah)

Abstract

This study examines the protective and intelligence strategies adopted during the Makan period of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mission. Security and intelligence have always been fundamental to the survival of states and societies, and the early Muslim community, though weak and persecuted, exemplified a remarkable security-conscious approach under the Prophet’s guidance. The research highlights how secret planning, careful selection of safe meeting places (such as Dār al-Arqam), migration to Abyssinia as a secure refuge, and the confidentiality of the Bayʿat al-ʿAqaba meetings ensured the survival and gradual spread of Islam. Findings demonstrate that the Makkan experience laid the foundation for the structured security framework of the later Madinan state. Unlike other civilizations, Islam integrated intelligence within an ethical framework, rejecting immoral methods such as bribery, deceit, and exploitation, while legitimizing vigilance against enemies for the preservation of faith and community. The paper concludes that the Prophetic model provides timeless lessons for contemporary Muslim states, suggesting that modern intelligence institutions should operate within Qur’ānic and Prophetic principles. It also recommends the establishment of “Islamic Security Studies” as an academic discipline to address present-day challenges in light of Islamic teachings.

Keywords: Prophetic Seerah, Makkan Period, Islamic Intelligence, Security Strategies, National Security, Ethical Framework