🚶‍♂️ The Significance of HEGIRA (Hijrah): A Journey of Faith

Discover the profound impact and significance of the Hijrah in Islamic history—the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. Learn about its etymology, cultural context, and lasting legacy in Islamic tradition.

🚶‍♂️ The Significance of HEGIRA (Hijrah): A Journey of Faith

The term “Hijrah” (الهجرة), also known as “Hegira,” refers to the migration of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and his followers from Mecca (مكة‎) to Medina (المدينة) in 622 CE. This crucial event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar).

Etymology and Definition

Etymology: The word “Hijrah” derives from the Arabic root “هجر” (h-j-r), which means “to migrate” or “to abandon.”

Definition: In Islamic tradition, the Hijrah not only signifies a physical journey but also represents a profound spiritual transition and the establishment of an Islamic state in Medina.

Background and Historical Context

The Hijrah took place due to increasing persecution of Muhammad and his followers by the Quraysh tribe in Mecca. This historic migration was both a tactical retreat and a strategic move to spread Islam in a more welcoming environment. The people of Yathrib (later named Medina) had invited Muhammad to mediate tribal disputes, providing an opportunity to establish a new Muslim community based on Islamic principles.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

Cultural Differences:

  • Before Hijrah: Mecca was predominantly polytheistic with tribal traditions; Islam faced considerable resistance.
  • After Hijrah: In Medina, Islam began to flourish, solidifying into a structured religion with both political and religious authority for Muhammad.

Cultural Similarities:

  • Shared Heritage: The Hijrah is a major event commemorated across diverse Islamic cultures.
  • Unity in Faith: Regardless of cultural differences, Muslims worldwide regard Hijrah as a symbol of faith, courage, and commitment.

Synonyms: Emigration, Exodus, Migration

Antonyms: Stay, Return, Immobility

Related Terms:

  • Muhajirun (المهاجرون): The emigrants who accompanied Muhammad on the Hijrah.
  • Ansar (الأنصار): The Medinian supporters who welcomed the Muhajirun and helped them settle in Medina.
  • Islamic Calendar: The Hijri calendar started from the year of Hijrah, known as “Anno Hegirae” (AH).

Exciting Facts

  1. Hijri Calendar: The Hijrah marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar year (1 AH).
  2. Transformation of Medina: After the Hijrah, Yathrib was renamed Medina (City of the Prophet), symbolizing the rise of Islamic society.
  3. Al-Aqaba Pledge: The migration was preceded by secretive pledges of support made between Muhammad and Medinian tribes at Aqaba.

Quotations

  • Ibn Kathir: “Hijrah did not end with the Prophet’s departure to Medina. It exists in every call to put Islam into practical use.”
  • Ibn Hisham: “Hijrah is synonymous to a fresh start and an abandon of what is sinful and mistaken.”

References & Further Reading

  1. Hamidullah, Muhammad. The Ordinances of the Quran (1951)
  2. Armstrong, Karen. Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet (1992)
  3. Abul A’la Maududi. Towards Understanding Islam (1932)

Quizzes

### When did the Hijrah take place? - [ ] 610 CE - [x] 622 CE - [ ] 570 CE - [ ] 632 CE > **Explanation:** The Hijrah occurred in 622 CE, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. ### Who were the Muhajirun? - [ ] The people of Yathrib - [ ] The Qurayshi persecutors - [ ] Muhammad's Medinian allies - [x] The migrants who accompanied Muhammad > **Explanation:** The Muhajirun were the companions of Prophet Muhammad who emigrated with him from Mecca to Medina. ### What symbolized the beginning of the Islamic calendar? - [x] The Hijrah - [ ] The Battle of Badr - [ ] The Night of Isra and Mi'raj - [ ] The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah > **Explanation:** The Hijrah marks the starting point of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. ### True or False: The people of Medina were called the Ansar. - [x] True - [ ] False > **Explanation:** The Ansar were the inhabitants of Medina who supported and helped the migrants from Mecca, known as the Muhajirun. ### Why did Muhammad and his followers perform Hijrah? - [ ] To conquer new lands - [ ] To seek treasure - [x] To escape persecution and find a safe haven for practicing Islam - [ ] To trade > **Explanation:** Muhammad and his followers migrated to escape persecution in Mecca and to establish a community where they could freely practice Islam.

Thank you for your continuous quest for knowledge and understanding. May your journey in learning be as enlightening and transformative as the Hijrah was for the early Muslims.

Farewell, Ahmed Al-Hakim (2023-10-01)

Sunday, June 16, 2024

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