The Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his followers from Makkah to Madinah in the year 622 CE was a turning point in Islamic history. It was not just a journey from one city to another; it was the foundation of a new Islamic society, where Muslims could practice their faith freely and establish justice.
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Background of the Hijrah:
For thirteen years, the Prophet ﷺ preached Islam in Makkah. While a few accepted the message, most of Quraysh resisted fiercely. Muslims faced:
Mockery and insults from the leaders of Quraysh.
Torture and persecution of the weak, such as Bilāl, Khabbāb, and Sumayyah.
Economic boycott, where Muslims were denied trade and food.
Plots against the Prophet ﷺ, including attempts to kill him.
Despite this, the Prophet ﷺ remained patient and continued his mission. However, it became clear that Makkah would not allow Islam to grow freely.
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The Invitation from Madinah:
During the pilgrimage season, some people from Yathrib (later called Madinah) met the Prophet ﷺ and embraced Islam. They were impressed by his message of Tawḥīd and justice.
Over time, groups of people from Yathrib pledged allegiance to the Prophet ﷺ at ʿAqabah (known as the Pledges of ʿAqabah). They promised to support him and protect him if he migrated to their city.
This was significant because:
1. Yathrib was suffering from tribal wars between Aws and Khazraj. They saw in Islam a way to unite.
2. They accepted Muhammad ﷺ not just as a spiritual leader, but also as
a political guide and peacemaker.
Permission from Allah:
Allah gave the Muslims permission to migrate:
> “Say, O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good, and the earth of Allah is spacious…” (Qur’an 39:10)
This was a relief for Muslims who were suffering in Makkah. They began migrating secretly, one by one, leaving behind wealth, homes, and families for the sake of Allah.
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The Prophet’s ﷺ Hijrah:
When most Muslims had migrated, Quraysh realized they were losing control. They plotted to kill the Prophet ﷺ by sending young men from every tribe to attack him at once. This way, Banū Hāshim (his clan) could not seek revenge on one tribe alone.
However, Allah protected him. On the night of the plot, the Prophet ﷺ left his house while ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (RA) slept in his bed as a decoy.
The Prophet ﷺ set out with his companion, Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (RA). They hid in the Cave of Thawr for three days while Quraysh searched desperately. At one point, the pursuers came so close that Abū Bakr whispered in fear. But the Prophet ﷺ reassured him:
> “Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.” (Qur’an 9:40)
Eventually, they continued their journey north to Yathrib, guided by a skilled tracker. After days of hardship, they reached the city safely.
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Arrival in Madinah:
The people of Yathrib welcomed the Prophet ﷺ with joy. They came out singing and rejoicing, saying: “Welcome, O Messenger of Allah!”
From that day, Yathrib became Madinat al-Nabi (the City of the Prophet), or simply Madinah.
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The Importance of the Hijrah:
1. Freedom of Worship
Muslims could finally practice Islam openly without fear of persecution. The masjid (mosque) became the center of worship and community life.
2. Establishment of the First Islamic State
In Madinah, the Prophet ﷺ became not only a religious guide but also a head of state. He established laws based on justice, mercy, and the Qur’an.
3. Unity of Muslims
The Prophet ﷺ built brotherhood between the Muhājirūn (migrants from Makkah) and the Anṣār (helpers from Madinah). They shared wealth, homes, and support, setting an example of Islamic solidarity.
4. Peace Agreement with Non-Muslims
The Prophet ﷺ drafted the Constitution of Madinah, ensuring peaceful coexistence between Muslims, Jews, and other tribes. Everyone had rights and responsibilities under this agreement.
5. The Start of Islamic Calendar
The Hijrah was so important that later, during the caliphate of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA), Muslims began counting years from the Hijrah. This is why the Islamic calendar (Hijrī) begins with the year of migration.
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Lessons from the Hijrah:
Trust in Allah: Even in the cave when danger was near, the Prophet ﷺ had complete trust in Allah’s protection.
Sacrifice: Muslims left behind wealth, property, and even families for the sake of Allah, showing true faith.
Unity and Brotherhood: The bond between Muhājirūn and Anṣār shows how Islam removes tribalism and promotes compassion.
Planning and Patience: The Hijrah was carefully planned—secrecy, routes, guides—teaching Muslims to combine trust in Allah with smart effort.
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Reflection Questions:
1. Why was the Hijrah necessary for the survival of Islam?
2. How did the Prophet ﷺ’s leadership in Madinah differ from his time in Makkah?
3. What sacrifices did the early Muslims make, and how do they inspire us today?
4. Why do you think the Hijrah was chosen as the starting point of the Islamic calendar?
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CONCLUSION:
The Hijrah was not just a migration; it was the birth of the Islamic community. From a persecuted minority in Makkah, Muslims became a strong and united society in Madinah. The Hijrah teaches us lessons of sacrifice, trust in Allah, unity, and perseverance.
It marks the beginning of Islam as not only a faith but also a way of life and governance. That is why the Hijrah is remembered as one of the most important events in the history of Islam.
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