A new year begins. Islamic history is full of days and great occasions that is good to celebrate — taking from them that which guides us to the right path in difficult times.
The noble Hijra from Makkah to Madinah is one of the grandest events in the history of Islam. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, gives us with the two migrations — the first Hijra of the Muslims to Ethiopia and his own to Madinah, then called Yathrib — many lessons and examples. He teaches us that change requires hard work and sacrifice.
When the followers of the Prophet were harmed in Makkah and could find no one to champion them and feared sedition, the Prophet reviewed all the countries of the world for a place to command them to migrate to. If they went to any region in the Arabian Peninsula they would be returned to Quraysh. Persia was eliminated because the Persians were idolaters, and the Romans, though people of the book, were known for being tough and tyrannical. The Prophet thought Ethiopia would be the best. He ordered the companions to migrate to Ethiopia. “Go to Ethiopia,” he told them, “there is a king there who is just.” This Hijra was termed the migration to the abode of safety, while the migration to Madinah was termed the migration to the abode of belief. We thus learn from the Prophet that when we plan for something we should plan from all angles and for all eventualities. He planned for the method of travel, the provisions and who would lead the way. When everything was meticulously planned, he put his faith in God.
In the grand welcome the Prophet received upon arriving in Madinah we find lessons and examples. For the people of Madinah welcomed him and the immigrants with great hospitality, knowing that they would have to share with the immigrants their money and homes and become their family — for the immigrants had left their families behind in Makkah — and asked rewards only from God. In this way the Prophet achieved brotherhood between the Ansar (helpers of the Prophet) and the Muhajirun (migrants), and they became an example of the depth of belief.
The lessons and examples in the life of the Prophet and the Hijra to Madinah should not simply be seen as a historical story to enjoy reading or hearing but one that we should consider a model for our own actions, so that we may truly be one of his followers and gain the intercession of the Prophet on the Day of Judgment.
Oh Lord, do not deny us the joy of looking upon Your noble face for our failings or the intercession of the Prophet or Heaven.
Arab News Features 7 March 2003