10 Life Lessons from the Hijrah Migration
Those who believed and emigrated and strove hard and fought in Allâh’s Cause with their wealth and their lives are far higher in degree with Allâh. They are indeed the successful ones. Their Lord gives them glad tidings of mercy from Him, and His being pleased (with them), and of Gardens (Paradise) for them wherein are everlasting delights. They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allâh is a great reward. — Qur’an 9[At-Taubah]:20–22
The Hijrah migration of the Prophet PBUH from Mecca to Madinah was an event that changed history for good. This journey isn’t just limited to Islamic history or the Muslims. It shook the world socially, economically, and politically. It was also a period that transformed the civilization at that time. While the Prophet Muhammad PBUH was from Mecca and he lived amidst his people, they persecuted him and the early believers. The reason being that they believed in the Almighty Creator as One, called to His worship, and negated the false deities of Mecca. When this torment became unbearable leading to death and torture, the Prophet PBUH asked his followers to migrate to Madinah in batches. He then followed suit with his companion Abubakr when Allah instructed him to. This famous event marked the hijrah which occurred in the year 622 AD. With the recent marking of the new hijrah year 1444, there’s need for us to review some lessons derived from this historical event as applicable to us today.
- Entrusting Allah undoubtedly: The Prophet PBUH had unshakeable faith in his Lord and this is a great lesson for today’s Muslims. The heathens of Mecca raced after him on knowing he’s headed for Madinah. Along the way, they took refuge in a cave. While there, the enemies came close finding them and his companion Abubakr was overwhelmed with fear. Allah’s Apostle said to him as reported in the Qur’an:
…“Be not or afraid, surely Allâh is with us.” Then Allâh sent down His Sakînah (calmness, tranquillity, peace) upon him, and strengthened him with forces (angels) which you saw not… — Qur’an 9[At-Taubah]:40
2. Redefinition of Intention: Many of us know the beautiful hadith of Umar, the first in Al-Arbaun of Imam An-Nawai. The events leading to that revelation happened before the hijrah. A man wanted to marry Umm Qays in Mecca and she turned down his proposal saying that he would have to emigrate to Al-Madinah in order to marry her. Accordingly, the man migrated to Madinah for this specific purpose, and the two were married there. On account of this event, Allah revealed his intention to the Prophet PBUH and the man came to be known among the Companions as Muhajir Umm Qais. May Allah reward the man and forgive his errors. The beautiful lesson in this story is that he taught us what it means to have the right intention before every action.
3. Movement from Kufr to Islam: Mecca remained a land of polytheism until its conquest. So the Muslims needed space to establish their divine right to worship. Hence, Islam was established in Madinah and freely practiced without oppression. They moved away from kufr: polytheism which was a form of injustice, to tauhid — monotheism. For today’s Muslims, it’s also incumbent upon us to move far away from iniquities to repenatnce; ignorance to awareness, bid’ah to sunnah, and darkness to light.
Abdullah bin Amr RA reported that the Prophet PBUH said: A true migrant Muhajir is one who migrates away from that which Allah condemns or prohibits — Bukhari
4. Establishment of the Islamic State: With the continuous spread of Islam in Madinah, the Muslims were able to profess their faith without persecution. They pronounced the adhan publicly and prayed without fear. Madinah became an abode of peace as people were able to follow the injunctions of Allah. The Islamic State became a safe haven for spiritual growth and transformation. Allah’s will was established, the relationship was astonishing, leading to a meaningful life that transit to success in the next. This was an organized Islamic state with a central leadership and other organizations. At this point, Islam was not only the act of worship but an all encompassing way of life. Politics, economy, social interactions and every other aspect of life was manisfested. The morale here for today’s Muslim is that Madinah helped us to understand and appreciate our deen as a comprehensive religion.
5. Preservation of the Message: The tranquility of Madinah enhanced the growth and development of Islam. The Muslims learned more about their religion and taught it to others as well. People embraced the faith in flocks from far and near. Islam transitioned from a regional state to a universal one. This was where the Muslim State began reaching out to Persia, Egypt, and the Byzantine Empire. The Islamic community grew from strength to strength, becoming a world power to recon with. Allah can use anyone to achieve His purpose. The preservation of Islam through the efforts of the Ansar is a great lesson for today’s Muslims.
When there comes the Help of Allâh and the conquest (of Makkah). And you see that the people enter Allah’s religion (Islâm) in crowds. So glorify the Praises of your Lord, and ask His Forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and Who forgives. — Quran 110[An-Nasr]:1–3
6. Allah is not in need of us: In Surat At-Taubah verse forty, Allah was saying that even if the believers didn’t aid the prophet, he already has Allah’s assurance. Allah will aid His Prophet and His religion in ways that we can not imagine. The Meccans had plotted to kill the prophet overnight. Yet, Allah safeguarded him to Madinah without an army. Today, Muslims feel as if they’re doing good for Islam. Lo and behold! The good you do is for your own soul. Allah is not in need of us, and He will protect this faith until the end of time. We are the ones in need of Him, and He’s As-Samad — The One Who is free from need. The sooner we realize this, the better.
7. Strengthening the Brotherhood: One of the beauties the Hijrah brought was the brotherhood between the Muslims. The Muhajirun were the migrants who left Mecca in search of refuge in Madinah. While the Ansar are the inhabitants of Yathrib that warmly welcomed the prophet and his companions. An impeccable scenario is described in the following hadith:
Narrated Anas: When ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf came to us, Allah’s Apostle made a bond of fraternity between him and Sad bin Ar-Rabi’ who was a rich man, Sad said, “The Ansar know that I am the richest of all of them, so I will divide my property into two parts between me and you, and I have two wives; see which of the two you like so that I may divorce her and you can marry her after she becomes lawful to you by her passing the prescribed period (i.e. ‘Idda) of divorce. ‘Abdur Rahman said, “May Allah bless you your family (i.e. wives) for you.” (But ‘Abdur-Rahman went to the market) and did not return on that day except with some gain of dried yogurt and butter. He went on trading just a few days till he came to Allah’s Apostle bearing the traces of yellow scent over his clothes. Allah’s Apostle asked him, “What is this scent?” He replied, “I have married a woman from the Ansar.” Allah’s Apostle asked, “How much Mahr have you given?” He said, “A date-stone weight of gold or a golden date-stone.” The Prophet said, “Arrange a marriage banquet even with a sheep.” — (Bukhari)
8. With difficulty comes Ease: Indeed persistence often conquers resistance. History doesn’t often remember that the Muslims were humiliated, tortured and killed by the Qurayshi people in the early days of Mecca. Yet, the Prophet PBUH and his companions endured with patience, and Allah gave them a huge victory in the end. Even the migration was difficult for the Muslims as many of them fell sick on getting to Madinah. Some had to part ways with their loved ones. Others lost their wealth as the heathens of Mecca refused them to go with their belongings. In the end, Allah’s promise was fulfilled. So, do not loose hope: Oh Muslims!
“So, surely with hardship comes ease” — Qur’an 94[Ash-Shahr]:5
9. The Hijrah Calendar: The Islamic Calendar is a yardstick that Muslims use in timing religious events and activities. The story of the Hijrah Calendar as related by Abu Musa Al-Asha’ri is a very interesting one. Umar bn Khattab felt the need to have a dating system that guides the Muslims. He consulted with the companions to develop one and it was agreed that the most rallying point of reference was the Hijrah since it’s an important turning point for the Muslims. After the emigration to Madinah, the Prophet PBUH was able to organize and establish an ideal community with social, political, and economic independence. The hijrah calendar system birthed tremendous growth and enhanced development based on Islamic principles. It’s the official calendar system that guides Muslims in their religious obligations.
10. The Transformation of Madinah: The city was initially known as Yathrib but with the arrival of the Prophet and Muslim settlement, it was renamed Madinah Al-Munawarah — ‘The Luminous City’. It was called such because of the presence of the Messenger of Allah, Madinatun-Nabi’. Our mother, Aisha Radiallahu Anha said: “We came to Madinah and it was the most polluted land of Allah. The water there was most stinking”. The Prophet PBUH asked the companions to dig wells in different parts of the city. It was mentioned that more than fifty wells were opened in the city of Madinah and there was enough clean water for everyone. Allah’s Apostle PBUH encouraged the companions to cultivate the land and make gardens and soon there was enough food for everyone. The Prophet PBUH used to give gifts to coming delegations and people came to embrace Islam in troops. Madinah became a haven of peace, security, and safety. The transformation went beyond nomenclature as it has stood the test of time for over a thousand years. This unique observation is still felt to date once you step into the city. May Allah grant us the opportunity to visit this sacred land and give Salaam to our beloved Messenger PBUH.
Yaumul Jum’ah 7th Muharam 1444H//Friday August 5th, 2022.
PS : Don’t forget to fast on yaumul Ahad 9th & Ithnain 10th of Muharam 1444H which is equivalent to Sunday 7th & Monday 8th August 2022. This is from the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah.
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