The first of Muharram, commonly known as the Hijri new year, signifies an important point in the Islamic history, that is the journey of the prophet Muhammad PBUH and his companions from Mecca to Madinah.
Hijra, which literally translates to migration in Arabic, refers to a major accomplishment by the earliest Muslim community. After facing persecution from the local tribe of Quraysh, the prophet with a few of his followers fled Mecca to Yathrib, later renamed by him as Al-Madina Al-Monawara. This sacred city in western Saudi Arabia is known today as Medina.
Hijra, a New Chapter in the Islamic History
The date of this migration constitutes a turning point in the Islamic calendar as it symbolizes Islam’s transition from being viewed as a simple religion to becoming a unique traditional culture and heritage, a way of life. This was a significant change for early Muslims aspolitics, the economy, social connections, and all other facets of life were subsequently.
In this context, Hijra also symbolizes the shift when Muslims were no longer being predominantly viewed as a minority group of people who were persecuted and in danger of death, to positioning them as a powerful regional force with a strong central leadership. e
It was also at this time that Islam began to spread through institutionalized Da’wah (inviting others to Islam), which was established by the state, as opposed to individual Da’wah that existed in the early phase of Islam.
Building New Foundations for the Muslim Community After Hijra
The migration from Mecca to Medina made room for several changes in Islamic legislation and jurisprudence in different aspects.
The Prophet PBUH built the first mosque in Islam, Quba Masjid. He carried the stones himself and built that little, simple, but mighty structure. This was the start, and shortly after that, other mosques followed in Madinah, and later in other cities.
He created cordial ties between the Madinah citizens – known as Al Ansar, who supported him when he came – and the Muslims who had migrated from Makkah, who were called Al Muhajireen (the migrants). It was crucial for Muslims to get along with one another. Instead of having the pride and haughtiness of tribes, as they did before the advent of Islam (a period called as Al Jahiliyya), they ought to base their brotherhood on their shared religious beliefs.
One important change that was also brought to Medina after their arrival had to do with the water system. The Prophet instructed the companions to drill wells throughout the city. There was enough clean water for everyone after more than 50 wells were opened in the city of Madinah, it was reported.
He urged the companions to create gardens and nurture the soil, assuring them that whoever planted crops on barren land would eventually own it. As more people began to labor and cultivate, there was soon enough food for everyone.
On a socio-economic level, there were no poor individuals in Madinah within a short period of time. Everyone had access to food and shelter, and the Prophet PBUH would offer visiting delegations with presents. The city soon became one of the safest in the region. There were vanishingly few instances of theft, rape, intoxication, or murder, as those that did occur were dealt with right away.
Other Meanings of and Lessons from Hijra
As Hijra – in its broad meaning – also means in Arabic “to leave,” one may derive a lot of lessons from this important event. One of them is to abandon the evil deeds and devote oneself to a life of submission to and worshiping of Allah. As the Prophet said, “The Muslim is the one from whose hand and tongue all Muslims are safe. And the muhajir (immigrant) is the one who abandons what Allah forbids.”
In this sense, Hijra teaches that Muslims should spread goodness everywhere they go.
Moreover, despite the fact that Makkah was the birthplace of the prophet PBUH and his loved place, he did migrate from it to fulfill the commands of Allah. The lesson that one can draw from this is that the Muslim can abandon his desires for the sake of his creator. Other important values from the Prophet’s story include patience, perseverance, and entrusting Allah undoubtedly.
“With difficulty comes ease,” reads one particularly pertinent passage of the Quran. Indeed, Hijra also teaches the believer not to lose hope and trust Allah’s plans, for he knows best and is able to ease one’s problems as long as the person does not despair from his mercy.
