Hijra

The Arabic word Hijra means migration. It marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar year and refers to the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions from Mecca to Madina. The Hijra was a turning point in Islamic history, marking the rise of the first Muslim community and the shift from persecution to strength.

Following the Hijra, the early Muslims gained political authority and religious freedom in Madina. The Hijri calendar was established during the caliphate of Umar Ibn al-Khattab (RA), who chose this event—over other suggestions like the Prophet’s birth or death—as the official starting point of the Islamic era. Umar (RA) said:

“The Hijra has separated truth from falsehood. Therefore, let it become the Epoch of the Era.”
(Fath al-Bari, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani)

The Struggles Before Hijra

For more than a decade in Mecca, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) preached Islam publicly amid increasing hostility. His followers faced brutal oppression, torture, and even death. In response, the Prophet (ﷺ) sent a group of Muslims to Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), where the Christian king offered them protection.

Later, he sent around seventy Muslims to Yathrib (later renamed Madina) with the hope of establishing a new Islamic society. Eventually, the Prophet himself began the journey to Madina accompanied by his closest friend, Abu Bakr as-Siddique (RA).

Divine Protection

When the leaders of Mecca plotted to assassinate Muhammad (ﷺ), he and Abu Bakr (RA) took refuge in a cave. Allah protected them, and their pursuers failed. The Qur’an recounts this moment:

“If you do not aid the Prophet—Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Mecca] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, ‘Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.’ And Allah sent down His tranquility upon him and supported him with forces you did not see…”
(Qur’an, 9:40)

A New Beginning in Madina

The Muslims who made Hijra left behind homes, wealth, and family for the sake of their faith. Allah promises them reward:

“As for those who emigrated in the cause of Allah after being persecuted, We will surely settle them in a good land in this world. But the reward of the Hereafter is far better, if only they knew.”
(Qur’an, 16:41)

Upon arrival in Madina, the Prophet (ﷺ) and his followers were warmly welcomed by the Ansar (the Helpers). Muhammad (ﷺ) immediately established a sense of brotherhood among the emigrants (Muhajirun) and the Ansar. He also forged alliances with the non-Muslim communities, including Jewish tribes, laying the foundation for a unified society.

The Transformational Impact of Hijra

Hijra marked a profound shift for Muslims—socially, politically, and spiritually:

• From weakness in Mecca to strength in Madina.

• From isolated believers to a unified community.

• From personal religious practice to the implementation of a comprehensive Islamic system governing politics, economics, and social life.

• From a persecuted group in Mecca to the center of a rising Islamic civilization.

The Hijra wasn’t just a journey of physical migration—it was a movement of faith, sacrifice, and divine guidance that shaped the course of Islamic history.

Source: The Alim Foundation: NPS / NH; September 29, 2020