Hijrah: What does Hijrah mean?
The term “Hijrah” describes the movement of Muslims from a place of shirk, or unbelief, to one of Islam. The migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions from Makkah to Madinah is the most famous in Islamic history. This departure was important because it signaled the change from a place where Muslims were persecuted to one where they were free to practice and spread Islam. Madinah became the center of Islam when its citizens swore loyalty to the Prophet.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s Migration (Hijrah): Through Angel Jibra’il, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was granted divine order to leave Makkah and relocate to Yathrib. He made plans with Abu Bakr (RA) and started getting ready for the hijrah.
Hijrah: The Journey from Makkah to Madinah
In 622 CE, the early Muslims in Makkah suffered from increasing persecution, which prompted the Hijrah to another place which is Madinah. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) steadfastly pursued his goal of spreading the teachings of Islam in the face of hatred and danger. Allah, however, gave the Prophet instructions to move to Madinah, a place that would accept him and his followers, when the circumstances in Makkah grew intolerable.
This incident is mentioned in Surah Al-Anfal of the Quran:
“And [remember] when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. Bumt they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.” (Quran 8:30).
The prophet (peace be upon him) and his close friend Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) embarked on this journey under the direction of Allah. To escape their assailants, they sought safety in the Cave of Thawr, a scene described in the Quran:
“If you do not aid the Prophet – Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, ‘Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.’” (Quran 9:40 )
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Why People Moved to Madinah?
1. Intense Makkah Persecution
Early Muslims in Makkah experienced increasing persecution from the Quraysh tribe as the word of Islam spread. This includes economic penalties, psychological suffering, social exclusion, and physical brutality. The circumstances became more and more intolerable as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his supporters persevered through great adversity. Because of the severity of the persecution, Allah gave the Muslims the order to go to a safer area where they could freely follow their religion.
2. Divine permission and prophetic guidance
Allah designated the country of Hijrah (migration for Allah’s sake) as Madinah (then Yathrib). The choice to relocate was not only a calculated move; it was also motivated by heavenly inspiration. In addition to a vision of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who confirmed Madinah as the final destiny. The Muslims’ journey to their new home was greatly aided by this vision.
The Hijrah Calendar
When the Prophet reached Madinah safely, he was welcomed with open arms. Since Muslims could now freely and publicly profess their faith, the Hijrah signaled the start of a new era for the community. Adding to the event’s significance was that it signaled the beginning of the Islamic calendar, also called the Hijri calendar.
The Islamic calendar (hijrah) is a method that Muslims depend on to measure time. The crescent moon sighting determines the start and finish of each of the twelve lunar months in this calendar. The hijrah, which occurred around July 622 CE, when the Prophet Muhammad moved from Makkah to Madinah, is the point at which years are measured.
The Importance and Teachings of the Hijrah
1. Have faith in Allah’s Plan: Muslims learn from the Hijrah how crucial it is to have faith in Allah despite hardship. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remained firm and trusted in Allah’s protection despite the journey’s perils. This steadfast faith serves as a reminder to all Muslims to trust in Allah’s knowledge and direction.
2. The Islamic Ummah’s Foundation: The Hijrah represents the beginning of the Muslim Ummah, a group of people bound together by faith rather than geographical or ethnic affiliations. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) created a community founded on equality, fairness, and respect for one another in Madinah.Shortly after the migration, the Madinah Constitution was created, highlighting the rights and obligations of all people, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, and laying the foundation for governance and cooperation.
4. Brotherhood and Support: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave the Ansar (Madinah’s people) and the Muhajirun (Makah migrants) a brotherly relationship when they first arrived in Madinah. The Islamic faith is based on this sense of fraternity and solidarity for one another, which inspires Muslims to encourage one another and create solid, encouraging communities.
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The Hijrah in Contemporary Times: Examining Its Teachings
The Hijrah is a timeless reminder of the importance of faith, tenacity, and community that transcends its historical significance.
Muslims can commemorate the Hijrah today by deepening their religion and making constructive contributions to their local communities. The Hijrah teaches us to be kind leaders, to protect the rule of law, and to strive for the establishment of society in which everyone can live in love and peace.
Observations from the Sunnah
The importance of the Hijrah is further highlighted by the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) Sunnah. According to a hadith that is included in Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet stated:
Actions are judged by intentions, so each man will have what he intended. Thus, he whose migration was for Allah and His Messenger, his migration was for Allah and His Messenger.” (Sahih Bukhari).
This hadith emphasizes that the Hijrah was performed exclusively for Allah’s sake. It acts as a reminder to all Muslims to behave with purpose and sincerity, seeking Allah’s blessing in whatever they do.
Conclusion
One of the most significant events in Islamic history is the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) emigration to Madinah. It serves as an incredibly potent reminder of faith, faith in Allah, and the power of community. Let us consider the lessons learned from the Hijrah and endeavor to live out the values of solidarity, kindness, and tenacity in our day-to-day activities.