Message of Hijrah, the Migration

 

The word Hijrah (Sacred Migration) is an Islamic terminology, which refers literally to depart or abandon the evil. According to the Islamic terminology, it means to migrate from the homeland to another place for the purpose of executing Islamic commandments as individual and community with freedom. The Islamic Hijrah takes place to the land where one could be able to perform the Islamic commandments freely.

To make this term easier to the readers, a glance at the sacred Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him) would be certainly helpful. The moment, Allah’s Apostle Muhammad (S) began inviting people to the religion Islam, except a few enlightened people who embraced it, the majority of the inhabitants of Mecca transformed into his foe and the chain of ordeals & persecutions from the infidels of Mecca rose against him and his followers. They had to go through unbearable tortures and sufferings. They had to encounter the kind of punishments that would make one cringe. The Infidels poured their efforts to get them back to disbelief. Every single soul who embraced Islam was the prey of their cruelty, violence and dreadful reaction. 

The irony was that they proved to be more rude and cruel to the Muslims with every passing day. New methods and techniques were being used to torture and return them back from Islam. At last, the Apostle of Allah was compelled to grant the permission of Hijrah to his companions so that they may migrate to another land in order to save their faith and lives. Eventually, a caravan of eleven men and four women departed from Mecca to Habsha, (Ethiopia). Usman Ghani (may Allah be pleased with him) was the leader of caravan. This was the first Hijrah in Islam. Meanwhile, the Apostle of Allah (S) and his other companions continued to be brutally tortured & persecuted. After the demise of Abu Talib, Prophet’s uncle, the infidels of Mecca amplified their persecution and they become bold enough to harm directly the Apostle of Allah (S) which, during Abu Talib presence they could not have done. The situation went from bad to worse. Prophet Muhammad (S) now had no other option but to announce Hijrah publicly. Madinah city was set the place of Hijrah by Allah S.W.T. The companions of Prophet Muhammad (S) began migrating one after another.

The people of Madinah were aware of this situation. They warmly welcomed their brothers in faith and provided them shelter. Eventually, Allah granted permission about Hijrah to His Prophet. He parted for the journey towards Madinah along with his best companion, Abu Bakr (R). The situation and the people of Madinah were entirely different from Mecca. They not only gave shelter to the Prophet (S) and Muslims, but also they sacrificed all their belongings for the establishment of the foundation of Islam in Madinah. Thus Madinah became the centre of propagation of Islam and proved to be successful for the followers in both the worlds.     

As the situation was calm and serene in Madinah, The Apostle of Allah and Muslims gained peace and tranquility. They got the opportunity to learn, practice and promote Islam to other fellow human being. Taking the advantage of the opportunity, Prophet Muhammad (S) united his strength and power.

The need of Hijrah arose because the situation in Mecca initially was not practical. And the people embracing Islam were not in a position to defend themselves. Therefore, they were left with no option except Hijrah. The place of migration was chosen by the creator Allah SWT, where Islam could take its root deeper and the Muslims get enough strength. This purpose was eventually accomplished in Madinah. 

 Here, we need to ponder and compare our situation with the Muslims of early ages in Mecca. We can say surely that we are not only in a better position than them but also we do not face any sort of obstacle or hurdle while performing the commandments of Islam nor do we encounter hatred, oppose or hostility. Despite this, we can account our attachment with Islam and efforts to fulfill its duties.

The Muslims of early age were brave and fearless about their lives while announcing their Islam publicly and performing its commandments openly, and any obstacle couldn't shake their stability and firm belief in Islam.

 

 

It's ironical that they bore the severest tortures whereas, on the other hand, we have been blatantly flouting the biggest command of Islam, say Salah, by making false excuses. Most of us do not offer many times’s Salah (Namaz) without feeling slightest regret for it. Months go on and we keep disconnected with Quran, the source of all guidance. Will we be able to give answer to Allah on the Day of Judgment for the blessing that He has bestowed upon us as a free follower of Islam? And He has given us such a homeland where there is no hardship or hurdle. And even if it appears to us, it is actually the result of our negligence which we have adopted by being indifferent to Islam. In this sense, we have to confess our wrongdoing by repenting before Allah, and by confessing His blessing, we have to use it properly. We should also be steadfast on our belief, make Shari'ah as our lifeline and spend our God-gifted talents and powers in fulfilling the commandments of Islam. Then only the true benefits of Hijrah would be established.