Hijrah

Quick Facts: Who was Hijrah?

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Hijrah

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The pivotal migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Hijrah, (Arabic: الهجرة, romanized: al-Hijrah, lit. 'migration') also Hegira (from Medieval Latin), was the journey the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers took from Mecca to Medina. The year in which the Hijrah took place is also identified as the epoch of the Lunar Hijri and Solar Hijri calendars; its date equates to 16 July 622 in the Julian calendar. Early in Muhammad's preaching of Islam, his followers only included his close friends and relatives. Following the spread of his religion, Muhammad and his small faction of Muslims then faced several challenges including a boycott of Muhammad's clan, torture, killing, and other forms of religious persecution by the Meccans.

Career & Major Achievements

Toward the end of the decade of the 610s CE, Abu Talib, Muhammad's uncle, who supported him amidst the leaders of Mecca, died. Finally, the leaders of Mecca ordered the assassination of Muhammad, which was to be executed by 11 men with swords. In May 622, after having convened twice with members of the Medinan tribes of Aws and Khazraj at al-'Aqabah near Mina, Muhammad secretly left his home in Mecca to emigrate to their city, along with his friend, father-in-law and companion Abu Bakr. Hijrah is a romanization of the Arabic word هجرة 'to depart to', 'to migrate to' or 'to move away from'. The first stem of the verbal root H-J-R, hajara, means 'to cut off someone from friendly association; to avoid association with'; the third stem, hājara, means 'a mutual termination of friendly relations by leaving or departing'.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The word has been mistranslated, without proper context, as 'a severing of ties of kinship or association'. Since 1753, the word has also been used to refer to an exodus in English. Located more than 260 miles (420 km) north of Mecca, Medina is a verdant oasis. According to Muslim sources, the city was founded by Jews who had survived the revolt against the Romans. While agriculture was far from the domain of the Arab tribes, the Jews were excellent farmers who cultivated the land in the oases.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1753: 1753 Milestone — Since 1753, the word has also been used to refer to an exodus in English.

Notable Quotes by Hijrah

“Paradise”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Hijrah

True or False: “The Hijrah was solely a voluntary migration initiated by Muhammad's followers seeking better trade opportunities in Medina.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While it involved movement, the text indicates that Muhammad regarded this migration as an expulsion orchestrated by the Quraysh leaders.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hijrah