In spite of the difficulty in specifically
determining the period in which Yathrib was established, and in
knowing about its early history, we can divide that age into two
large periods.
1. First Period: This era begins
with the founding of Yathrib, which is an approximation, and ends
with the emigration of the Jews into the area. This occurred in the
time of Bukhtnasser (586 B.C.). Information about this period is
scant and is spread through many books. They settled in the area
which had originally been settled by two groups, the tribes of
'Abeel and Al-'Amaaleeq. Then, the groups separated into various
Arab tribes.
2. Second Period: This era begins with the arrival
of the Jews who settled in Yathrib and ends with the Hijrah
(emigration from Makkah to Madinah) of the Messenger and Prophet of
Allah, Mohammed (Peace be upon him). Information about the beginning
of this period is scant, but it increases with years until it
becomes quite detailed. The end result being a clear picture of the
life, politics, society and economics in Yathrib, at that time.