The Prophetic Hijrah (immigration from Makkah to Madinah) was a magnificent event that changed course of the history and changed human’s life. It represents the early beginning of the Islamic state, Islam was spread worldwide after it was trapped in Makkah for 13 years. From Madinah, the callers of Islam wandered the other nations carrying with them the message of Islam and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad. For 13 years in Makkah, the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions endured the bitterness of pain, suffering, and torture.

why was hijrah necessary?

It was narrated by Khabbab bin Al-Arat:

”We complained to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) (of the persecution inflicted on us by the infidels) while he was sitting in the shade of the Ka`ba, leaning over his Burd (i.e. covering sheet).
We said to him,
“Would you seek help for us? Would you pray to Allah for us?”
He said,
“Among the nations before you a (believing) man would be put in a ditch that was dug for him, and a saw would be put over his head and he would be cut into two pieces; yet that (torture) would not make him give up his religion. His body would be combed with iron combs that would remove his flesh from the bones and nerves, yet that would not make him abandon his religion. By Allah, this religion (i.e. Islam) will prevail till a traveler from Sana (in Yemen) to Hadrarmaut will fear none but Allah, or a wolf as regards his sheep, but you (people) are hasty.”

    Hijrah (immigration) means leaving everything behind – such as people, trade, and wealth – for the sake of Allah and starting over in a completely different land. Thus, immigration was not a picnic in the eyes of the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions rather, it was an arduous journey. One of the main causes behind the immigration of Muslims is the escalation of persecution against Muslims, that they complained to the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and asked his permission to leave.

why Madinah (Yathrib)?

It was narrated by Lady Ayisha that the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said to the companions:

“In a dream, I have been shown your immigration place, a land of date palm trees, between two mountains, the two stony tracts.”

Then, he stayed for a few days and said happily to his companions:

”I was told about your destination, which is Yathrib, so whoever wants to leave, he shall leave to Madinah.” 

     So Muslims started the immigration in groups. For about two years Muslims continued to move Madinah, and the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) waited for the permission of Allah while the Muslims in Madinah started to ask him and join them. It can be said that these two years were a preparation for the arrival of the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Lady Ayisha narrated:

Rarely did the Prophet (ﷺ) fail to visit Abu Bakr‘s house every day, either in the morning or in the evening. When the permission for immigration to Medina was granted, all of a sudden the Prophet (ﷺ) came to us at noon and Abu Bakr was informed, who said, “Certainly the Prophet (ﷺ) has come for some urgent matter.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said to Abu Bakr, when the latter entered “Let nobody stay in your home.” Abu Bakr said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! There are only my two daughters (namely `Aisha and Asma’) present.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I feel (am informed) that I have been granted the permission for immigration.” Abu Bakr said, “I will accompany you, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)!” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “You will accompany me.” Abu Bakr then said “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! I have two she-camels I have prepared specially for immigration, so I am offering you one of them. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I have accepted it on the condition that I will pay its price.” 

      The journey of Hijrah is full of lessons and morals for Muslims, that can enlighten your Eman and strengthen your faith in Allah. It could have been the easiest journey ever, yet the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is a living model to all Muslims, he did not rely solely on his special status or divine protection. Instead, he took all necessary means and precautions. 

the flawless planning

     The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) chose the perfect timing, the appropriate company, took the perfect measures, and utilizing every possible means to ease the journey to Madinah. He chose Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, his best friend, and the first among men who believed in him. He chose a sweltering day to go to Sayyiduna Abu Bakr’s house, which goes against his habit in order to mislead the disbelievers. He started his journey at night, maintaining the highest level of secrecy. Also, he chose the most unconventional roads that led to Madinah. They hired a man from Qurish, named Abdullah ibn Uriqyat to guide them as he was familiar with the roads.

Reliance upon Allah

     The prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) did not put his complete trust in worldly causes rather, his faith was above all these reasons. When they decided to leave, the news spread among the disbelievers, and they decided to wait for the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr’s departure in order to kill them immediately. Abū ‘Umar Al-Dūrī said: ‘Affān bin Muslim narrated to me that Ḥammād bin Zayd narrated to us, from Ayyūb, from ʿIkrimah: that a group of polytheists gathered together and said: ‘If we see Muḥammad (ﷺ) we will assassinate him.’ He (the narrator) said:

So the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to them while they were grouped together, and took a handful of dirt, and started sprinkling it on their heads and then recited: “(1) Yā Sīn (2) By the wise Quran” until he reached the verse “ (9) and set barriers before and behind them, blocking their vision: they cannot see.” Then he left.

(وَجَعَلْنَا مِن بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ سَدًّا وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ سَدًّا فَأَغْشَيْنَاهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يُبْصِرُونَ)

    The care and the protection of Allah accompanied the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr throughout their journey. He was certain that Allah would provide a way out for them. When the disbelievers discovered that the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had departed, they set out in pursuit of him. At the same time, the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) made his way to Ghar Thawr (Thawr Cave). The disbelievers came so close to the entrance of the cave, where the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) hid,