The migration of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers to Yathrib (the old name of Madinah) is known as Hijra. The hijrah took place in the year 622 CE Due to the growing animosity and persecution the early Muslim community in Makkah was subjected to, the choice to relocate became unavoidable. The powerful Quraysh tribe, who ruled over a sizable portion of Makkah, posed a serious threat to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his adherents.

PREACHING OF ISLAM BY THE HOLY PROPHET (PBUH)

During the initial stages when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) started preaching to the people of Makkah, the Quraysh did not express much opposition to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s activities, as they seemed disinterested in his devotional gatherings. However, the situation changed when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began criticizing their beliefs, which led to unrest.

As the story goes, the Meccans subjected Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and his small group of Muslims to torture, persecution, and even death, along with various other hardships. Additionally, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)’s clan faced a boycott during this period. Among the Meccan authorities, Abu Talib, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)’s uncle, supported him, but he passed away by the end of the decade.

Eventually, the rulers of Mecca issued an order for Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)’s murder, assigning the task to eleven men armed with swords.

HAZRAT ALI THE SUPPORTER OF THE HOLY PROPHET (PBUH)

In these grave circumstances, Hazrat Ali (RA), another devoted follower of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), was asked to stay behind and carry out responsibilities on the Prophet’s behalf. As a man known for his integrity and trustworthiness, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) had entrusted certain possessions to Hazrat Ali (RA), which he needed to return to their rightful owners. To protect Hazrat Ali (RA) from any harm, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) assured him of God’s divine protection and instructed him to wear his cloak and lie down on his bed. By doing so, it would create the illusion that Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was still present and deter the assassins.

Stepping into the shoes of his beloved Prophet, Hazrat Ali (RA) bravely wore Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)’s cloak and fearlessly led the would-be assassins away from the real target. This act of selflessness and sacrifice exemplified the unshakable bond between Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his loyal companions, demonstrating the depth of their faith and devotion to the cause of Islam.

Through this tale, Muslims find inspiration in the unwavering commitment of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions, who upheld their beliefs even in the face of great adversity. The protection granted to Hazrat Ali (RA) by God’s divine intervention is seen as a testament to the unyielding protection and guidance provided by the Almighty to those who steadfastly walk the path of righteousness Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) fled Mecca, seeking refuge in a cave on Thawr mountain to evade the Quraysh pursuit. After three days, they resumed their journey, and God protected them from capture. They reached Quba’, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established a mosque. After waiting for Hazrat Ali (RA) and his family, they proceed to Medina, where they were warmly welcomed by the people.

ESTABLISHING THE ISLAMIC STATE IN MADINA

On May 622 CE, following two discreet meetings with members of the Medinan tribes of Aws and Khazraj near al-‘Aqabah, close to Mina, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) departed secretly from his residence in Mecca to migrate to their city. Accompanying him were his friend, father-in-law, and companion Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA).

Upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s arrival in Medina, he received a warm and cordial reception, which led to the renaming of the city from Yathrib to Al Madinah Al Munawwarah (Arabic: المدينة المنورة‎), meaning ‘The Enlightened City’. It is commonly referred to as Madīnah or Medina (Arabic: المدينة‎, lit. ‘the City’) for simplicity.

Muslims believe that before leaving Mecca, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sought divine guidance and patiently waited for a sign from God. During this period of anticipation, he confided in his loyal companion, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), and together they made preparations for the significant journey ahead. However, the night before his departure, the dwelling of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) became surrounded by warriors from the Quraysh tribe, who had become aware of the departure of many Muslims from the city. They had sinister intentions to assassinate him the moment he set foot outside.

IMPACT OF HIJRAH

The hijrah had a tremendous influence on all human civilizations in addition to changing the social and political landscape of the Arab Peninsula. Migration served as a dividing line between the two primary eras throughout Islam’s history. Every Muslim, regardless of origin or social status, came together during the Hijrah, creating the Muhajirun-Ansar brotherhood. Since all Muslims were brothers and supported one another because of Allah SWT and Islam. hijrah demonstrated peace and equality among them.

CONCLUSION

Through his da’wah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never gave up on advancing Islam. The early history of Islam, however, is not at all smooth, as is well known. Occasionally, the Prophet (SAW) would even get insults like “crazy” and “irrational,” which he bears with patience. As evidence of our Prophet’s tenacity to advance Islam, he made the Hijrah, traveling from Mecca to Medina to further his da’wah.

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