Hijrat - emigration from Mecca to Medina

by Nafeela Mukthar

It is important for us to celebrate the Islamic New Year to ponder why the beginning of the calender was calculated from the point of a painful migration. The greatest benefactor of humanity the Prophet Muhummed had to make the supreme sacrifice of tearing himself from the soil of his birth.

Revelation very clear had come permitting migration. That meant he had to leave behind such poignant memories. Leaving the sacred city - the lanes and streets he walked since childhood and the beloved Kaba where he had prostrated for the well being of his people. He had endured such oppression, ridicule and unbearable torture because of his call to the Truth. Yet is was heart-rending for the human prophet to leave his beloved city.

The Arabic word Hijrat does not mean 'flight' as many writers interpret. It is best translated 'emigration'. Here it is not the connotation of geographical transference but of separation from one's loved ones, homes and all that they held dear. The great strategist Muhummed had sent a few of his Meccan followers to Medina, as Mecca was no more a safe place for the Muslim. This action ensured that there would be this community of Meccan followers to support him. It also meant that the Prophet had decided inspite of persuasion to stay in Mecca to encourage any waverers. Above all he knew that God was directing his destiny. The brave soldier he was, the Prophet was not seeking refuge for safety.

Englightenment

He was entrusted with a mission as a Messenger of God to all humanity. His appeal to the Meccan tribes was to divorce themselves from idolatry, alcoholism, tribal wars immoral practices and surrender to the Almighty One. He did not seek any reconciliation or compromise in religion.

In the teeth of intense, persecution, ridicules and abuse the Prophet secretly and openly stood firm courageously to spread the Divine revelation.

Nothing deterred him from Allah's chosen path a mission, a movement based on reason. But his sensitive heart bled to see the sufferings of the poor and friends who had embraced the new movement.

Unable to witness anymore of the persecution beyond human endurance when permission came to migrate in the 5th year of his mission, sent a group of Muslims to Abyssinia. They were the first migrants and it was the first international relations of the Muslims.

The Prophet himself realised there was no room for enlightenment in the hearts of the Quraish and decided to go to a neighbouring town called Taif. The chiefs whom he met in Taif ridiculed him and incited the street urchins to pelt him and his slave Zaid with stones. The Prophet bled profusely and sat down. They raised him by his shoulders and assaulted again. Some Christians who witnessed this cruelty offered him some solace and some grapes. From Taif he sought the protection of Mutim bin Ali to return to the Kaba. His slave Zaid bin Haris carried him on his shoulders when the Prophet became unconscious due to loss of blood. On the way Zaid asked the Prophet to curse these people to which the Rassool replied "Why should I curse them. If they do not accept Islam now future generation will certainly accept it."

During this time when the Prophet was physically and mentally tormented Divine help came. He was honoured with the Ascent to the Heaven - known as Mehraj. And he was taught the prayer of Migration soon after. Quran 7;78-80 Amidst hostility this event gave renewed strength to the Prophet and his followers.

And when out clear verses are recited unto them, those who hope not for their meeting with us say: "Bring us a Quran" other than this or change it". Say O Muhammed It is not for me to change it, on my own accord; I only follow that which is revealed to me. Verily I fear their torment of the Great Day.

Circumstances

I feel it is appropriate to relate the circumstances that led the Prophet to set out on this journey which occurred on June 16, 622 A.D. This happened during the 13th of Prophet hood when he was 53 years of age.

Even before the Prophet was entrusted by God there were a few thinking men who were seeking guidance to rebel against the evils that prevailed in Arabian society. But the majority of them were seeped in ignorance and every kind of vice you could think of. They jeered, tortured heaped entrails of animals on his head and poured dust on his back while prostrating. God comforted him with the Quranic verse VI 199 "Hold to forgiveness; command what is right, but turn away from the ignorant."

The enemies demanded that he gave up his new creed that asked them to worship One God and not to assign partners to Him. They even went to his uncle Abu Talib a nobleman and pleaded with him to advise the nephew. When he did so the Prophet was faced with a great crisis as he was the only support from the rival camp. But the Prophet with his characteristic fearless fortitude born of his conviction declared firmly, "Dear uncle, if these people put the sun on my right hand and the moon on the left and ask me to give up my mission 1 will not do it, even if I lose my life in the struggle." That was the voice of determination that changed the course of history. Realising the great future of this movement they bargained for a compromise which the Prophet rejected. Affirmed in the Quran 10:15.

"And say" My Lord Let my entry to the (city of Medina) be good and may exit from the city of Mecca be good. And grant me from you an authority to help me. (17:80)

Humanity

The great leader of humanity left his beloved Mecca. On their way they hid themselves in the cave of Thaur. The enemy pursued them up to the entrance of the cave. Abu Baker voiced his fear. The Prophet comforted his friend, "Have no fear, for God is with us". Many attempts were made on the life of the Prophet while in Medina too. But the Chosen one was saved by Divine Protection.

His life in Mecca was concerned with the fundamentals of his faith. Belief in One God, righteous deeds and the purification of the soul.

In contrast the Hijra to Medina gave the Prophet and the Muslims to establish the Islamic State in which was embodied both spiritual guidance and a social structure of peace and democracy. The Prophet possessed such political vision and wisdom. This new State became a potent force that continued to develop and expand in a short time. Do we Muslims of today sincerely deserve to be called followers of a Prophet who made supreme sacrifices, stood with indomitable courage, tact and wisdom?