Hijrat-e-Madinah: The Foundation of the World’s First Islamic State

Hijrat-e-Madinah, also known as the Migration to Medinah, refers to the pivotal event in Islamic history when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers migrated from Makkah (Mecca) to Medinah (then known as Yathrib) in the year 622 CE. This migration ensured the survival of Islam. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar (Hijri year).

Causes of Hijrat e Madinah

Persecution in Makkah:

Early Muslims faced severe persecution, torture, and social boycott from the Quraish tribe in Makkah.

Economic Sanctions:

The Quraish imposed economic sanctions on Muslims, making their lives difficult and unsustainable in Makkah.

Lack of Religious Freedom:

Muslims were unable to practice their faith freely in Makkah due to the hostility of the Quraish.

Death of Hazrat Khadijah & Hazrat Abu Talib:

The death of Hazrat Muhammad’s wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib in 619 CE, known as the “year of sorrow,” significantly contributed to the causes of Hijrat-e-Madinah: With the death of Hazrat Abu Talib, who had provided protection to Muhammad (PBUH) against the hostility of the Quraish, the leadership of the Banu Hashim clan passed to Abu Lahab. Abu Lahab withdrew the clan’s protection from Muhammad, leaving him vulnerable to persecution and danger from the Quraish.

Invitation from Yathrib (Medinah):

The people of Yathrib invited Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to mediate their tribal conflicts and offered him protection.

Strategic Relocation:

Medinah provided a safer and more supportive environment for the growth and spread of Islam.

The Divine Order of Migration:

Allah’s command, conveyed through revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), instructed Muslims to migrate from Makkah to Medinah. This guidance emphasized the necessity of finding a safer environment where they could freely practice and preserve their faith.

Prophet Muhammad’s journey to Medinah

The Hijrat e Madinah refers to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers’ migration from Mecca to Medina, located approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles) north, in the year 622 CE. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed his followers to migrate to Medina, leading nearly all of them to leave Mecca. According to tradition, alarmed by the departure, the Meccans plotted to assassinate Prophet Muhammad. When Prophet Muhammad was alerted about the plot, he left Mecca clandestinely with his companion Abu Bakr (RA). He leaved Hazrat Ali (RA) in charge of returning trusts to the Quraish of Mecca.

On the night of his departure, Prophet Muhammad’s house was surrounded by men appointed by the Quraysh. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emerged, He threw dust toward the besiegers with reciting verses from Surah Yasin, making them unable to see him. When the Quraysh found out Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) had escaped, they offered a big reward for capturing him, dead or alive, and searchers spread out in all directions. After an eight-day journey, Prophet Muhammad reached the outskirts of Medina but did not enter the city immediately. He stopped at a place called Quba, a few miles from the main city, and built a mosque there. Quba Masjid is the first mosque in Islam.

Reception of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) in Medina

After staying at Quba for fourteen days, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) set out for Medina. Along the way, he participated in his first Friday prayer. The people of the city warmly greeted him upon his arrival. When the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) entered the land of Medina , the people of Medina exclaimed in joyous unison: “Allahu Akbar! The Messenger of Allah has come, Muhammad has come!” Women, children, and even slaves recited in gratitude:

طَلَعَ الْبَدْرُ عَلَیْنَا مِنْ ثَنِیَّاتِ الْوَدَاعِ۔وَجَبَ الشُّکْرُ عَلَیْنَا مَا دَعَا لِلّٰہِ دَاعٍ

“Tala’al Badru Alayna, Min Thaniyyatil Wada’, Wajaba Al Shukru Alayna, Ma da’a Lillahi da’.

Upon arriving in Medina, the Prophet (PBUH) stayed at the house of Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (RA) for six months.

Consequences of Hijrat e Madinah

Establishment of the First Islamic State:

The Hijra established the first Islamic state in Medina, where the Prophet (PBUH) signed a treaty resembling a modern constitution. The Misaq e Madina (Madinah treaty) was established among Muhajireen,Ansar and the jews of Yathrib Medina.

Unity of Muhajirun and Ansar (مواخات مدینہ):

Migrants from Mecca (Muhajirun) and the Medinan Muslims (Ansar) were unified as brothers and sisters by the Prophet (PBUH), fostering a spirit of mutual support and sacrifice.

Establishment of Masjid al-Nabawi:

The Prophet (PBUH) purchased land in Medina where the Masjid al-Nabawi was built, becoming a central hub for worship, education, and state administration during the era of bliss.

Introduction of the Hijri Calendar:

Under the leadership of Seyyidina Umar (RA), the Hijri Calendar began, marking the Hijra year as its starting point, shaping Islamic cultural and religious practices.

Spread of Islam and Initiation of the Adhan:

Islam spread rapidly, leading to the conquest of Mecca eight years later. By the time of the Prophet’s (PBUH) passing eleven years after Hijra, Islam had reached every corner of the Arabian Peninsula. The Adhan (call to prayer) was instituted to summon people for Salah (prayer), with Bilal al-Habashi appointed by the Prophet (PBUH) as its first caller.

The Legacy of Hijrat-e-Madinah

The Hijrat-e-Madinah stands as a pivotal moment in Islamic history, marking the establishment of the first Islamic state and the beginning of a new era for the Muslim community. This migration not only provided a safe haven for Muslims facing persecution but also laid the foundation for the rapid spread of Islam throughout the Arabian Peninsula. The construction of Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina became a symbol of unity and a center for worship, education, and administration. The institution of the Hijri calendar and the introduction of the Adhan further solidified the Islamic identity and practices.

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