The Hijrah and the Beginning of the Islamic Calendar
From this point onward, the city of Yathrib would be known as Al-Madinah (Medina).
The year in which the Prophet Muhammad ï·º migrated became the beginning of the Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar.
Before Islam, the Arabs often recorded time according to major events in their history. There is no doubt that the Hijrah was among the greatest events they had ever witnessed. Therefore, Muslims adopted it as the starting point of their calendar, just as Arabs had previously marked time by other significant events, such as the Year of the Elephant.
Later, Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab established the Hijrah as the official beginning of the Muslim calendar, ensuring that Muslims would continue counting their years from this event rather than from any other historical occurrence.
Some historical reports, including one mentioned by Al-Tabari, suggest that the decision to use the Hijrah as the basis of dating was made during the Prophet’s lifetime.
The Lessons and Moral Values of Hijrah
The study of Islamic history offers remarkable examples from which people can learn and benefit. One of the greatest purposes of studying history is to reflect on the noble qualities demonstrated by outstanding figures and important events.
The Hijrah was a world-changing event whose importance was recognized by both Muslims and many of their opponents. It contains profound moral lessons and inspiring examples of sacrifice, loyalty, generosity, and selflessness.
Among the greatest lessons of the Hijrah is the extraordinary character of Prophet Muhammad ï·º, which appeared through his determination, patience, and perseverance in the face of hardship.
He continued striving despite the difficulties surrounding him. He experienced both success and setbacks, but he benefited from both:
He used success as a motivation to strengthen his efforts and protect what had been achieved.
He used failure as an opportunity to search for new paths and better solutions.
When hope for success in Mecca became limited, he did not surrender to despair. Instead, he left his homeland, his possessions, and his familiar surroundings, seeking a new land with greater possibilities for the growth of the message of Islam.
The Wisdom and Strategic Thinking Behind the Hijrah
The Hijrah teaches that true believers place their faith and principles above comfort, safety, and even life itself.
One of the greatest examples of wisdom and careful planning during the migration was the strategy used by the Prophet Muhammad ï·º and Abu Bakr to avoid Quraysh’s pursuit.
The Prophet ï·º understood that Quraysh would spread search parties along the routes leading to Medina, attempting to prevent him from reaching his destination. Therefore, he adopted several wise strategies that contributed to the success of the journey:
First, instead of heading directly north toward Medina, where Quraysh would expect him to go, he moved south toward Mount Thawr, reducing the likelihood of being discovered.
Second, he did not immediately take the usual route to Medina. Instead, he remained in the cave for several nights until the search efforts weakened and Quraysh lost hope of finding him.
Third, he avoided the familiar roads and chose a less-traveled path where news of his movement would be less likely to reach Quraysh.
These actions demonstrate that reliance on God does not mean abandoning planning and preparation. The Hijrah combined faith with careful strategy.
Abu Bakr’s Loyalty During Hardship
Alongside the wisdom of the Prophet ï·º, the Hijrah provides an eternal lesson in loyalty and friendship during times of difficulty.
Many people abandon their companions during crises, fearing that hardship may reach them or bring them harm. Abu Bakr, however, demonstrated the highest form of devotion.
He dedicated everything he possessed to ensuring the success of the migration: his own safety, his family, his wealth, and all the resources under his care.
One of the most beautiful examples of his concern for the Prophet ï·º occurred while they were traveling toward the cave. Abu Bakr sometimes walked ahead of the Prophet ï·º and sometimes behind him.
When the Prophet ï·º asked him about this, Abu Bakr replied:
“When I remember that enemies may be waiting ahead, I walk before you. And when I remember that someone may be pursuing us from behind, I walk behind you.”
This showed his constant concern for protecting the Prophet ï·º.
Ali ibn Abi Talib’s Sacrifice and Selflessness
The Hijrah also presents a remarkable example of sacrifice through Ali ibn Abi Talib.
Ali willingly accepted the dangerous task of sleeping in the Prophet’s bed, despite knowing that those surrounding the house intended to attack whoever was inside.
His courage and selflessness became an enduring example of dedication and faith.
The lessons of these great figures remind Muslims to follow the path of wisdom, sacrifice, loyalty, and sincere commitment that helped build the foundations of Islam.
The Establishment of the Islamic Society in Medina
Islam began in Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad ï·º received the revelation and began calling people to worship God alone. However, it was in Medina that Islam spread widely and the foundations of an organized Islamic society were established.
The Meccan period was mainly a time of preaching and calling people to faith, while Muslims faced severe persecution from Quraysh. In Mecca, Muslims were individuals who developed the moral values and spiritual foundations of Islam, but they were unable to establish a complete society because they were a small and oppressed group.
When Islam moved to Medina and people began accepting it in large numbers, the Prophet ï·º started building a new community and laying the foundations of a society that would become one of the most influential communities in history.
The following are some of the main foundations of this new Islamic society.
First: Building the Mosque
Before Islam, every tribe had places where people gathered for social activities, celebrations, trade, and other occasions.
When the Prophet ï·º arrived in Medina, he sought to unite the different groups of Muslims by establishing a central place where everyone could gather.
He built the mosque as the heart of the new community. It became a place not only for worship but also for learning, social interaction, justice, trade, and important gatherings.
At first, the mosque served many purposes. As the Muslim community grew and activities increased, separate spaces were arranged for education and trade, while the area dedicated to prayer remained protected from distractions.
The mosque played a major role in bringing Muslims together, strengthening their unity, and creating a shared identity among the members of the new society.
Second: The Brotherhood Between the Muhajirun and the Ansar
Another important foundation of the Islamic society was the establishment of brotherhood between the Muhajirun and the Ansar.
Historians use the term Muhajirun to refer to the Muslims who migrated from Mecca to Medina, leaving behind their homes and possessions for the sake of their faith.
The Prophet ï·º created bonds of brotherhood between the immigrants and the people of Medina, known as the Ansar (the Helpers).
This brotherhood transformed a group of people from different backgrounds into a united community based on faith, cooperation, and mutual support.
