Leaving Mecca Under Pressure
The Hijra refers to the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his early followers from Mecca to the city of Yathrib, later renamed Medina, in 622 CE, undertaken after years of persecution against the small Muslim community in Mecca.
The move was not undertaken lightly; it followed an invitation from tribal leaders in Yathrib, who sought Muhammad's help mediating disputes between local tribes and were open to the growing Muslim community settling there.
A Turning Point for the Muslim Community
In Medina, Muhammad established a more organized community structure, including agreements between different tribal and religious groups in the city, laying groundwork for governance that extended beyond religious practice alone.
The migration marked a shift from a persecuted minority in Mecca to a community with a defined home base, which historians generally view as a pivotal moment enabling Islam's subsequent growth and consolidation.
Why It Marks the Start of the Islamic Calendar
The Islamic, or Hijri, calendar begins its count from the year of the Hijra rather than from Muhammad's birth or the start of his prophethood, a choice made by early Muslim leaders decades after the event itself.
This decision reflects how significant the migration was seen to be as a foundational moment for the Muslim community, marking the point where it gained the structure and stability needed to grow.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica β an academic overview of the Hijra's historical significance
- Sunnah.com β hadith collections referencing the events of the Hijra
- IslamQA β scholarly background on the Hijra and its significance
FAQ
What was the Hijra?
It was the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his early followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.
Why did Muhammad and his followers migrate?
They left after years of persecution in Mecca, following an invitation from tribal leaders in Medina.
Why does the Islamic calendar start with the Hijra?
Early Muslim leaders chose the Hijra as the starting point because it marked the community gaining a stable, organized home base.
About the Author
We reference Encyclopaedia Britannica, Sunnah.com, IslamQA to explain the background and current understanding of this topic.
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