The Hijrah: The Migration that Founded the Islamic State

The Hijrah

Causes of the Migration

Persecution in Mecca became unbearable. The Quraysh had imposed an economic boycott for three years, and after the deaths of Khadija and Abu Talib (the Prophet's protectors), the situation worsened. The Quraysh planned to assassinate the Prophet, surrounding his house with swords.

The Departure from Mecca

The Prophet and Abu Bakr escaped through the back window and took refuge for three days in the Cave of Thawr. A spider wove a web at the entrance, convincing pursuers the cave was empty. The Quran mentions this event: "God protected him" (9:40).

Arrival in Medina

On 12 Rabi' al-Awwal 622 CE, the Prophet arrived in Quba, outside Medina. He built the first mosque of Islam there, then continued to Medina, where he was received enthusiastically. He established his mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi) and a market.

The Constitution of Medina

The Prophet drafted a treaty uniting emigrants (muhajirun), Medina's helpers (ansar), Jews, and other groups into one community (ummah). This document is considered history's first written constitution, establishing religious freedom and citizens' rights and duties.

The New Calendar

Years later, Umar ibn al-Khattab established the Hijrah as the start of the Islamic calendar, because it marked the transition from persecution to the establishment of a free and sovereign community.

Spiritual Significance

The Hijrah symbolizes the willingness to abandon everything for God's cause. It is not just a historical event but a spiritual concept: migrating from sin to obedience, from ignorance to knowledge, from selfishness to solidarity. The Prophet said: "The emigrant (muhajir) is one who abandons what God has forbidden" (Bukhari 10).