Institutionalization of social services in the ASR-I Saadet: a holistic model centered on religion, justice, and family

This article examines social service practices and family-oriented regulations during the Era of Asr-ı Saadet (610–632), the prophetic mission of Prophet Muhammad, from a holistic perspective within the framework of religion and social justice. The study argues that early Islamic society established a systematic, revelation-based social policy model beyond mere religious proselytization. Key practices analyzed include the rights-based social transfer system through zakat, the migration and social integration policy realized via the Brotherhood of Ansar and Muhajir, and regulations protecting disadvantaged groups such as orphans, slaves, and women. Family-centered policies are also discussed, including the contractual nature of marriage, economic security for women through mahr, inheritance rights, and arbitration mechanisms in family conflicts. This study aims to demonstrate the theoretical and practical connections between Asr-ı Saadet practices and core concepts of modern social work – social justice, empowerment, and rights-based approaches. By establishing functional links between contemporary social issues (refugee crises, child protection, poverty alleviation) and this historical model, the study critically evaluates its potential for modern social policies. The period is assessed as constituting a foundational reference model that can inspire contemporary social policy development.