By Sanusi Abdullahi Oyelekan.

Hijrah simply means ‘Migration’. It is specifically referred to the migration of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and his followers from the city of Makkah to the city of Madinah in the year 622A.D. Hijrah occurred when the persecution of the people of Makkah against the Muslims became intense and Allah commanded the Muslims to migrate.

However, Hijrah encompasses broader themes and principles that are important in the Islamic faith. The following would describe some key meanings and significance of Hijrah.

Hijrah was a commandment from Allah to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and this symbolizes the obedience and submission to the will of Allah. As a Muslim, we should believe that the Prophet’s migration was divinely guided by Allah and it is a crucial step in establishing the Islamic faith.

“As for those who emigrated in ˹the cause of˺ Allah after being persecuted, We will surely bless them with a good home in this world. But the reward of the Hereafter is far better, if only they knew. It is˺ they who have patiently endured, and in their Lord they put their trust.” Surah Nahl 41-42

Hijrah marks a pivotal moment in Islamic history. It provided the Muslim community with a safe haven in Madinah, giving them the opportunity to practice their faith freely and establish a society based on Islamic principles. This migration also facilitated the spread of Islam, as the message of the Prophet (S.A.W) reached a wider audience in Madinah and beyond.

Hijrah to Madinah resulted in the establishment of a strong community of Muslims amongst the Ansar (helpers) and the Muhajirun (migrants). This event emphasized the importance of solidarity and unity among Muslims, regardless of their tribal or ethnic backgrounds. The bonds formed during Hijrah laid the foundation for a cohesive Muslim society based on brotherhood and mutual support.

Hijrah exemplifies the concept of seeking a better life for the sake of one’s faith. The Muslims faced persecution and hardship in Makkah, yet they willingly left their homes and possessions to escape oppression and establish a just society in Madinah. This serves as an inspiration for Muslims to strive for a better life.

Hijrah can also be understood as a spiritual and personal journey of self-improvement and distancing oneself from negative influence.

Overall, Hijrah holds significant historical, spiritual, and moral importance in Islam. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to Allah, preservation and propagation of Islam, unity and brotherhood, striving for a better life, and personal growth and transformation.

The Hijrah kindled the light of hope in the hearts of the early Muslims who set a shining example for all Muslims, in every generation, to emulate.

Allah says in the Quran:

“Those who believe, and have emigrated, and have struggled in the way of God with their possessions and their lives are greater in degree with God; and those, they are the triumphant.

“Their Lord gives them good tidings of mercy from Him and beatitude; for them shall be gardens wherein is enduring bliss, therein they shall abide forever. Surely with God is a tremendous reward.” (At-Tawbah 9: 20-2)

The significance of hijrah (the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Madinah in 622 CE) is not limited to Islamic history or to Muslims. The hijrah not only reshaped – socially and politically – the Arab Peninsula, but also had its impact on worldwide civilizations.

Hijrah (Immigration to Madinah), no doubt, kindled the light of hope in the hearts of the early Muslims who set a shining example for all Muslims, in every generation, to emulate.

Hijrah, in essence, is a process of transfer to a better situation. It is not meant to find a comfortable place where one would relax and stop endeavor (attempt). Rather, it is a search for an environment more favorable to continuous and constructive effort. Immediately after reaching Madinah, the Prophet undertook an all-embracing process to establish a faithful and strong society. This is a significant aspect and important lesson to learn from hijrah.

Hijrah was one of the most important events in the history of Islam. It is for this reason the Caliph Omar adopted hijrah date to calculate years. Muslims chose hijrah as the focal point to reckon their chronology.

In physical terms, hijrah was a journey between two cities about 200 miles apart, but in its grand significance it marked the beginning of an era, a civilization, a culture and a history for the whole mankind. Islam progressed not only from the physical hijrah, but because Muslims took hijrah seriously in all its aspects and dimensions.

When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) immigrated from Makkah to Madinah, he did not just transfer his residence or take shelter in another city, but as soon as he arrived in Madinah he began the transformation of that city in every aspect:

– Masjid (Mosque): The Prophet first established a Mosque to worship God. He himself worked in carrying the stones and building that small, humble but most powerful structure. That was the beginning, but soon other mosques were established in Madinah.

– Brotherhood: He established brotherly relations between the Muslims who migrated from Makkah and the residents of Madinah who helped the Prophet and his companions. What was important was to have good relations between Muslims. They should have their brotherhood on the basis of faith, not on the basis of tribes as they used to have prior to Islam.

– Intercommunity and Interfaith Relations: Prophet Muhammad also established good relations with other communities living in Madinah. There was a large Jewish community as well as some other Arab tribes who had not accepted Islam. The Prophet prepared a covenant for relations between these communities.

– Water System in the City: The Prophet asked the companions to dig wells in different parts of the city. It is mentioned that more than 50 wells were opened in the city of Madinah and there was enough clean water for everyone.

– Agriculture and Gardening: The Prophet encouraged the companions to cultivate the land and make gardens. He told them that anyone who would cultivate any dead land, would own it. Many people started working and cultivating and soon there was enough food for everyone.

– Poverty Eradication: In a short period of time it happened that there were no poor people in Madinah. Everyone had enough food and shelter and the Prophet used to give gifts to coming delegations.

– Safety, Security, Law and Order: Madinah became the safest city in the world. There were very few incidents of theft, rape, drunkenness or murder and they were immediately taken care of.

In short, the hijrah teaches that wherever Muslims go, they should bring goodness to that land. Muslims should work for both moral and material goodness of the society.

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