THE MIGRATION

The Hijrah — the migration from Makkah to Madinah — stands as one of the greatest turning points in Islamic history. It was not only a change of place, but a transformation that laid the foundation for a new civilization based on faith, justice, and unity.

The Context in Makkah

For thirteen long years, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ called the people of Makkah towards the oneness of Allah. A few accepted, but the majority resisted fiercely. The Quraysh, threatened by the message of Islam, intensified their opposition. Muslims were insulted, beaten, boycotted, and tortured. Some were martyred, like Sumayyah (RA), the first female martyr in Islam.

Despite all hardships, the Prophet ﷺ remained steadfast, but when the persecution grew unbearable, Allah opened a new path. In Yathrib — later known as Madinah — tribes from Aws and Khazraj accepted Islam and invited the Prophet ﷺ to lead them. This invitation prepared the ground for migration.

The Plot Against the Prophet ﷺ

The Quraysh could not tolerate the spread of Islam beyond Makkah. In Dar al-Nadwah, their council house, they gathered to decide on a final solution. Some suggested imprisonment, others exile, but Abu Jahl proposed assassination — not by one man, but by selected warriors from every tribe. In this way, the responsibility of blood would be shared, and the clan of Banu Hashim would not be able to retaliate.

Allah informed His Messenger ﷺ of their evil plan through revelation. That night, the Prophet ﷺ was to leave Makkah, but not before entrusting Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) to sleep in his bed, covered with his green mantle. When the assassins surrounded the house, they believed the Prophet ﷺ was inside, unaware that he had already slipped away, reciting verses from Surah Yaseen as he passed by them, protected by Allah’s command.

The Beginning of the Journey

The Prophet ﷺ left with his closest companion, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA). Abu Bakr had prepared two camels for the journey, and his daughter Asma (RA) and son Abdullah (RA) would secretly bring food and news to support them.

Instead of taking the direct road to Madinah, they headed south toward Mount Thawr, seeking refuge in a cave. For three days, they hid there, while the Quraysh searched desperately, offering a reward of one hundred camels for whoever could capture Muhammad ﷺ.

The Cave of Thawr

The Quraysh trackers came so close that Abu Bakr (RA) whispered in fear, “If they look down, they will see us.” The Prophet ﷺ, full of calm reliance on Allah, replied:

“Do not grieve. Indeed, Allah is with us.” [Qur’an 9:40]

It was during this time that miracles of divine protection occurred. According to narrations, a spider spun its web over the cave’s entrance, and a pigeon laid its eggs there, making the cave appear untouched for a long time. When the pursuers reached the spot, they assumed no one could have entered and moved on.

On the Road to Madinah

After three days, when the search cooled down, the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) set out on their journey guided by Abdullah ibn Urayqit, a skilled non-Muslim tracker whom they trusted for his honesty.

The road was long and dangerous. At one point, a man named Suraqah ibn Malik pursued them for the bounty. Yet when he drew near, his horse stumbled and sank into the sand. Realizing this was divine protection, Suraqah asked for pardon. The Prophet ﷺ forgave him and even gave him glad tidings that one day he would wear the bracelets of the Persian emperor — a prophecy fulfilled years later during the caliphate of Umar (RA).

The Arrival in Quba and Madinah

At last, after days of travel through the desert heat, the Prophet ﷺ reached the outskirts of Madinah. The first stop was Quba, where he built the first mosque of Islam — Masjid Quba. The people of Madinah, men, women, and children, came out in joy, reciting:

“Tala‘a al-badru ‘alayna…” — welcoming him with hearts full of love.

When the Prophet ﷺ entered Madinah, the city was illuminated. This was not just the arrival of a man but the beginning of an era. From that day, Madinah became the center of Islam, where faith was lived, laws were established, and the Muslim Ummah found its strength.

The Significance of Hijrah

The Hijrah was not a flight of fear, but a step of hope and determination. It marked the transition from patience under persecution to the establishment of a community based on Tawheed and justice. So great was its importance that years later, during the caliphate of Umar (RA), the Islamic calendar was set to begin from the year of Hijrah.

The Migration was not merely a journey across miles — it was the foundation of a new chapter for humanity, one that continues to inspire generations with its message of sacrifice, trust in Allah, and unwavering faith.