Seerah · 622 CE / 1 AH · Makkah to Madinah

The Hijrah to Madinah

The Hijrah, or migration, of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Makkah to Madinah marks a pivotal moment in Islamic history. It was precipitated by a plot against the Prophet's life, as described in the Quran: the leaders of Quraysh had conspired to kill him, hoping to put an end to his message. On the night of the planned assassination, the Prophet instructed his cousin Ali to sleep in his bed, misleading the would-be assassins and allowing him to slip away undetected.

Accompanied by Abu Bakr, the Prophet sought refuge in the cave of Thawr. This event is immortalized in the Quran, which recounts the moment of reassurance when Abu Bakr was told not to grieve, for Allah was with them. They remained in the cave for three days, evading the Quraysh search parties. Their eventual departure from the cave marked the beginning of a perilous journey to Madinah, where they would establish a new community.

The journey to Madinah was arduous, but it was also a journey of hope and purpose. Unlike a mere flight from danger, the Hijrah was the foundation of a society where the nascent Muslim community could practice their faith freely and govern themselves according to Islamic principles. Upon reaching Madinah, the Prophet was warmly received by the Ansar, the local supporters, and the bonds of brotherhood between the migrants and the locals laid the groundwork for the first Islamic state.

Commentary

The Hijrah is a cornerstone event in Islamic history, marking the transition from a persecuted community to one with political and social autonomy. This migration is so significant that it was chosen as the starting point of the Islamic calendar, emphasizing its role as the foundation of an Islamic society rather than a mere escape. The Quranic references and sahih hadiths provide a robust framework for understanding the significance and details of this event, highlighting the divine protection and strategic foresight that characterized the Prophet's actions.

On the sources: The migration is the fixed anchor of the Islamic calendar and is firmly established.