The Spirit of Hijrah

Those who believe, and migrate and strive in Allah’s cause, with their goods and their persons, have the highest rank in the sight of Allah: they are indeed the successful people. 21-Their Lord does give them glad tidings of a Mercy from Himself, of His good pleasure, and of Gardens for them, wherein are delights that endure: 22-They will dwell therein forever. Verily in Allah’s presence is a reward, the greatest (of all). (Al-Tawbah 9:20-22)

We are approaching the New Year of Hijrah, the year 1422. InshaAllah, it is expected to begin this Monday, March 26, 2001. Our religious calendar is the Hijri calendar. It is important for us to keep in mind the meaning and significance of Hijrah.

Hijrah was one of the most important events in the history of Islam. It is for this reason Sayyidna ‘Umar - may Allah be pleased with him - adopted Hijrah date to calculate years. Muslims chose Hijrah as the focal point to reckon their chronology. In physical terms Hijrah was a journey between two cities about 300 miles apart, but in its grand significance it marked the beginning of an era, a civilization, a culture and a history for the whole mankind. Islam progressed not only from the physical Hijrah, but because Muslims took Hijrah seriously in all its aspects and dimensions.

When the Prophet - peace be upon him - made the Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah, he did not just transfer his residence or took shelter in another city, but as soon as he arrived in Madinah he began the transformation of that city in every aspect.

It is important for us to study and reflect on the things that he did in Madinah. There are many lessons for us in that history and we can learn many things for our life.

  1. Masjid: The Prophet - peace be upon him - first established a Masjid for the worship of Allah. He himself worked in carrying the stones and building that small, humble but most powerful structure. This was the beginning, but soon other Masajid were established in Madinah.

  2. Madrasah: Islamic school and educational institution for the community. The first school under the supervision of the Prophet - peace be upon him - was the school of Suffah. Later many other schools were opened. According to Maulana Shibli Numani, there were nine schools opened in Madina alone in the time of the Prophet - peace be upon him.

  3. Muwakhat: He established brotherly relations between the Muhajirun and Ansar. Masjid and Madrasah was not enough, what was also important was to have good relations between Muslims. They should have their brotherhood on the basis of faith, not on the basis of tribes, as they used to have before Islam.

  4. Intercommunity and interfaith relations: Prophet - peace be upon him - also established good relations with other communities living in Madinah. There was a large Jewish community as well as some other Arab tribes who had not accepted Islam. Prophet -peace be upon him - prepared a Mithaq (a covenant or a constitution) for relations between these communities.

  5. Cleaning the city: Yathrib (previous name of Madinah) was a dirty city. When the Sahabah came from Makkah to Madinah many of them became sick and did not like that city. The Prophet -peace be upon him - asked them to clean the city and remove its dirt and filth. ‘Aishah - may Allah be pleased with her - said: “We came to Madinah and it was the most polluted land of Allah. The water there was most stinking. (Al-Bukhari 1756)

  6. Enlightening the city: The cities all over the world used to be dark at night. The Prophet - peace be upon him - introduced the lights in the streets of Madinah. Soon it became known al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.

  7. Water System in the City: The Prophet - peace be upon him - asked the Sahabah to dig wells in different parts of the city. It is mentioned that more than 50 wells were opened in the city of Madinah and there was enough clean water for every one.

  8. Agriculture and Gardening: The Prophet - peace be upon him - encouraged the Sahabah to cultivate the land and make gardens. He told them that any one who will cultivate any land that was dead, would own it. Many people started working and cultivating and soon there was enough food for every one.

  9. Poverty eliminated: In a short period of time it happened that there were no poor people in Madinah. Every one had enough and the Prophet - peace be upon him - used to give gifts to coming delegations.

  10. Safety, security, law and order: Madinah became the safest city in the world. There were very few incidents of theft, rape, drunkenness or murder and they were immediately taken care of Hijrah teaches us that wherever Muslims should go they should bring goodness to that land. Muslims should work for both moral and material goodness of the society.