"Hijrah: A New Dawn in Islamic History"

The Hijrah, or migration, of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE is one of the most significant events in Islamic history. It marked not only a turning point in the Prophet's mission but also laid the foundation of a new society built on justice, brotherhood, and the worship of one God. This journey was not simply a physical relocation; it was a monumental act of faith, endurance, and divine planning.

The Persecution in Makkah

For thirteen years after receiving the first revelation, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ preached the message of monotheism in Makkah. His message challenged the Quraysh leaders’ power, wealth, and idol worship. As a result, the Prophet ﷺ and his followers faced increasing hostility. Muslims were mocked, beaten, boycotted, and even tortured. Some were martyred for refusing to renounce their faith. Despite this, the Prophet ﷺ remained patient and continued to spread the message of Islam.

By the twelfth year of his mission, a small group of people from Yathrib (later called Madinah) accepted Islam. They pledged loyalty to the Prophet ﷺ and invited him to their city, promising to protect him and his followers. This marked the beginning of hope for a new beginning.

Preparation for Migration

As the number of Muslims in Madinah grew, the Prophet ﷺ encouraged his companions to migrate gradually. Many left their homes, wealth, and families in Makkah to find safety and freedom of worship in Madinah.

Realizing the growing threat to their authority, the Quraysh plotted to assassinate the Prophet ﷺ. Allah revealed their plan to the Prophet ﷺ and instructed him to leave Makkah. On the night of the migration, the Prophet ﷺ asked his cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) to sleep in his bed to distract the assassins, while he and his closest companion, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA), quietly left the city.

The Journey to Madinah

The journey from Makkah to Madinah was around 320 kilometers (nearly 200 miles) and full of dangers. The Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) first took refuge in the Cave of Thawr, located south of Makkah. They stayed there for three nights while the Quraysh searched for them. A group of trackers even reached the entrance of the cave, but Allah protected them. According to a famous narration, a spider had spun a web across the cave entrance, and a dove had laid eggs nearby. The searchers assumed no one could be inside.

After the danger had passed, they resumed their journey using an unconventional route to avoid detection. Along the way, several people assisted them, including a guide named Abdullah ibn Urayqit and Asma bint Abu Bakr (RA), who brought them food and supplies.

One famous incident occurred when a bounty hunter named Suraqah ibn Malik attempted to capture the Prophet ﷺ for a reward. However, his horse kept stumbling, and he eventually recognized the divine protection around the Prophet ﷺ. Suraqah not only gave up the chase but also promised to keep their journey a secret. Later, he accepted Islam.

Arrival in Madinah

After nearly two weeks of travel through desert terrain, the Prophet ﷺ arrived at Quba, a suburb of Madinah. There, he established the first mosque, Masjid Quba, and stayed for a few days before continuing to the heart of the city.

The people of Madinah, known as the Ansar (Helpers), welcomed the Prophet ﷺ with great joy. They had long awaited his arrival, standing at the outskirts of the city each day to greet him. When he entered Madinah, children sang, “Tala‘a al-Badru ‘alayna,” a song of happiness and praise.

The Prophet ﷺ was offered homes by many, but he allowed his camel, Qaswa’, to walk freely and settle where it pleased. It stopped at the land of two orphan boys, where the Prophet ﷺ eventually built Masjid an-Nabawi and his residence.

A New Beginning

In Madinah, the Prophet ﷺ established the first Islamic state based on mutual respect, justice, and unity. He created a bond of brotherhood between the emigrants (Muhajirun) from Makkah and the Ansar. He drafted the Constitution of Madinah, ensuring peace among different tribes and religious communities, including Jews and pagans.

The Hijrah was more than an escape from persecution—it was the beginning of the Muslim ummah (community). It transformed Islam from a small group of believers into a structured society with laws, leadership, and spiritual guidance.

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Significance of the Hijrah

The Hijrah is so pivotal in Islamic history that the Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar) begins from this event. It teaches lessons of sacrifice, reliance on Allah, patience in hardship, and the importance of building a just and faithful community. It shows how a small act of migration, when done for the sake of truth, can lead to a worldwide movement that changes the course of history.

The Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stands as a timeless symbol of trust in God, courage in the face of danger, and the enduring power of faith.