The Story Behind the Hijrah: Why Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Migrated from Makkah to Madinah
Muslims around the world just celebrated the start of a new Islamic year: 1447 AH. But many may wonder why the Islamic calendar starts from a specific event rather than the birth or prophethood of Muhammad (SAW). That event is the Hijrah—the migration of the Prophet from Makkah to Madinah. This was a journey that not only changed the course of Islamic history but laid the foundation for the Islamic community as we know it today.
What Is the Hijrah?
The word “Hijrah” in Arabic literally means migration or emigration. It refers to the historic event when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his followers left the city of Makkah and migrated to Madinah (then called Yathrib) in the year 622 CE.
But why did the Prophet (SAW) leave his birthplace, Makkah—a city he deeply loved?
Persecution in Makkah
After Prophet Muhammad (SAW) began calling people to Islam, many leaders of Quraysh in Makkah became extremely hostile. They feared losing their power, wealth, and the influence they held over the religious practices centered around the Ka‘bah.
The early Muslims faced severe persecution. Some were tortured, imprisoned, boycotted economically, and even killed because of their faith. Life became increasingly difficult, not just for the Prophet (SAW), but for his followers as well.
Qur’anic Evidence of Persecution and Plots
Allah reveals in the Qur’an:
“And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.”
These plots forced the Prophet (SAW) to consider leaving Makkah to ensure the survival of the Islamic message and his own safety.
Allah Commands the Prophet to Migrate
While things grew difficult in Makkah, people from Yathrib (later known as Madinah) began accepting Islam. They invited the Prophet (SAW) to come and lead them, promising him protection.
The Prophet (SAW) said:
“I have been ordered to migrate to a town which will swallow up other towns. It is Yathrib [i.e. Madinah].”
This migration wasn’t simply moving homes—it was leaving behind family, property, and all that was familiar for the sake of preserving faith and spreading Islam.
The Night of the Migration
When the Quraysh plotted to assassinate the Prophet (SAW), Allah protected him. He left his home at night, and miraculously escaped while the assassins surrounded his house.
During his journey, he hid in the cave of Thawr with his closest companion, Abu Bakr (RA). Allah mentions this moment:
“If you do not aid the Prophet – Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, ‘Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.’”
This verse reflects both the danger of the journey and the unwavering faith the Prophet (SAW) and Abu Bakr had in Allah’s protection.
The Welcome in Madinah
Upon arriving in Yathrib, the Muslims of Madinah—called the Ansar (the Helpers)—welcomed the Prophet (SAW) with joy. They offered their homes and wealth to support the emigrants from Makkah, known as the Muhajirun.
Allah praises the Ansar in the Qur’an:
“…those who had settled in the Home [i.e. Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them, love those who emigrated to them…”
Thus, the Hijrah created a new society where Islam could flourish freely without fear of persecution.
Why the Islamic Calendar Starts with the Hijrah
Years later, during the rule of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), Muslims needed a way to record dates for official and religious matters. After consulting the companions, Umar chose the Hijrah as the starting point of the Islamic calendar, rather than the Prophet’s birth or prophethood.
Why?
- It marked the beginning of an Islamic community and state.
- It represented sacrifice, faith, and devotion to Allah’s command.
- It symbolized freedom to practice Islam openly.
Therefore, the Hijrah is not merely a journey—it is a turning point that signifies courage, trust in Allah, and the birth of a thriving Muslim Ummah.
Lessons from the Hijrah
For Muslims today, the Hijrah teaches valuable lessons:
- Trust in Allah even when situations seem impossible.
- Sacrifice is sometimes necessary for greater good.
- True brotherhood transcends tribal, racial, or social boundaries.
- Islam is built on resilience, community, and unity.
As we step into 1447 AH, may we carry these lessons in our hearts and strive to build communities filled with love, faith, and support for one another.
May Allah bless us all in this new Hijri year and grant us steadfastness in faith. Ameen.
