Evolution of Prophet's Political Authority in Medina

بِسۡمِ اللّٰہِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِیۡمِ

والصلاة والسلام على خاتم النبيين

W. Montgomery Watt writes concerning the evolution of the Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم political authority in Medina that when he first arrived in Medina he was recognized as Prophet by the main Arab clans, but in political matters, he was not considered their head, only the head of the Muhajirin. Only after the Battle of Khandaq, in April 627 could it be said that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم achieved political mastery over Medina.

This is clear proof that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was recognized as possessing two capacities, his Prophesy, which was accepted by the main clans of Medina on the eve of Hijrah, and his political role, which evolved and extended itself over time with the prestige he gained through victories of Badr and then Khandaq.