Salamun alaykum
From Makka to Yathrib:
On 1st Rabi ul Awwal in the 13th year since commencement of prophetic mission (B’ithat), based upon Divine instructions, the Holy Prophet undertook Hijra (emigration) from Makka to Yathrib, later renamed Madina.
Hijra : a turning point :
The Hijra-migration- of the Holy Prophet is a crucial event. For it was a turning point in Islamic history. The period of life which the holy Prophet passed among the hard-hearted people of Makka represented an era in which the caravan of history of Islam seems to have come to a stop.When the Prophet undertook the migration to Madina the wheels of history of Islam were set into motion that has had an impact upon the world and is continuing to do so till today.
By undertaking the Hijra from Makka, the holy Prophet did not just transfer his residence, seek refuge or take shelter in another city. As soon as he arrived in Yathrib / Madina he commenced the transformation of that city and undertook a process to establish a faithful community.
The holy Prophet led the transformation in society when he himself worked in carrying the stones for construction of the Masjidun Nabi. This small, humble building became a powerful structure which served as a focal point of all activities for the community.
For not only was Masjidun Nabi a space for performing prayers and learning (madrasah), it became a platform for establishing a dynamic community.
Some of the steps the Holy Prophet undertook included:
- Poverty eradication through Muakhat (establishing brotherhood) on the basis of faith and not on the basis of tribes as they used to have prior to Islam. Here a Muhajir (emigrant) was paired to the Ansar (helper) whereby the Ansar would share his wealth, property with the Muhajir and help each other.
- Intercommunity and Interfaith Relations: The Holy Prophet established good relations with other communities including Jews and other Arab tribes living in Madina who had not accepted Islam. An agreement known as Mithaq Al Madina, which was the first written constitution in the world, was drawn to establish friendly relations between these communities.
- Water System: The muslims were encouraged by the Holy Prophet to dig wells in different parts of Madina. It is mentioned that more than 50 wells were dug in the city and there was enough clean water.
- Agriculture: The Holy Prophet urged the companions to cultivate the land and soon there was enough food for all.
From the foregoing examples it can be seen that Hijra brought about spiritual, moral and material goodness to the society.
We, as a community who have undertaken the process of hijra / migration for various reasons such as education, refugees, employment, economic gain or in one way or the other for a better way of living, let us reflect on the Hijra and what the Holy Prophet did in Madina after Hijra so that, as muslims, wherever we go we should bring goodness to that land. Inshallah.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat