Prophetic Hijra: A Journey of Souls and Bodies – Lessons and Insights
Allah the Almighty says about His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him): "If ye help not (your leader), (it is no matter): for God did indeed help him, when the Unbelievers drove him out: he had no more than one companion; they two were in the cave, and he said to his companion, "Have no fear, for God is with us": then God sent down His peace upon him, and strengthened him with forces which ye saw not, and humbled to the depths the word of the Unbelievers. But the word of God is exalted to the heights: for God is Exalted in might, Wise." [At-Tawbah/40].
The Hijra was not merely a physical migration from Makkah to Yathrib, nor was it just a journey of escape from oppression, tyranny, and injustice. Rather, it was a journey of souls and bodies to a land chosen by Allah as the cradle for the establishment of the Islamic state. Through its light, darkness was dispelled, and the principles of justice, equality, dignity, and honor were firmly established. Allah united hearts and instilled mercy and compassion between them. The Hijra was a turning point that changed the face of the earth, so much so that Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) made it the beginning of the calendar for a nation independent in its civilization. And why wouldn't it be? It is an inexhaustible spring, a treasure full of never-ending wisdom and endless wonders.
Indeed, we are in great need to reflect upon some of the lessons and wisdoms derived from the noble Hijra, including:
First: Proper Planning and Taking the Necessary Means
This is an important principle in the life of both the individual and the nation, and it is one of the factors of success and victory. The Prophet (PBUH), as the role model, meticulously planned his journey, relying on Allah after taking all the necessary precautions with precision, caution, secrecy, and discretion.
He did not take the usual route but instead chose a different path, heading south instead of north, to mislead the polytheists.
He took refuge in the Cave of Thawr, fully trusting in Allah’s ability to protect and preserve him and to guide him to Medina, just as Allah had previously guided him on the night of the Isra and Mi'raj to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, this was to teach the Ummah the meaning of true trust in Allah (Tawakkul) and to distinguish it from mere reliance on superficial means (Tawaakul). While trusting in Allah, the Prophet (PBUH) also took all the necessary steps with careful planning.
Allah's care for him was evident in every step of the journey. He sought refuge in the cave, where a spider spun its web, and a dove laid its eggs at the entrance. The enemies were standing right outside, and if any of them had looked down, they would have seen the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). However, the Prophet (peace be upon him) reassured his companion, Abu Bakr, with confidence in Allah’s protection, saying: "What do you think of two, Allah is their third? "[Agreed upon].
Delegating Roles: The Prophet (PBUH) chose Abu Bakr as his companion for the journey, and he was the best companion. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "If I were to take a close friend, I would have taken Abu Bakr, but the brotherhood of Islam is better.” [Agreed upon]. This teaches us that a Muslim should choose their close companions wisely, ensuring that they are pious and trustworthy. This is in line with the Qur'anic verse [which means]: "Close friends, that Day, will be enemies to each other, except the righteous." [Az-Zukhruf/67].
Logistical Organization: Aisha’s sister, Asma Bint Abi Bakr, provided food and drink for the journey, ensuring that the Prophet (PBUH) and his companion had their basic needs met. Abdullah Ibn Abi Bakr was responsible for bringing news about the movements of the enemy, essentially acting as an intelligence officer, keeping them informed and safe. Furthermore, Abu Bakr’s shepherd, Amir Ibn Abi Fuhayra, would erase their tracks by guiding the sheep to walk over the footprints, preventing any trace of their path from being followed.
Secondly: Fulfilling Trust, Sacrifice, and Devotion:
Ali Ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) became the first martyr in Islam, offering himself as a shield for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He slept in the Prophet’s bed to protect him from the danger of the idolaters who were plotting to kill the Prophet, knowing that their plans were imminent.
The disbelievers had conspired to kill the Prophet, but Allah foiled their plans. Allah Says in the Qur'an (What means): "And [remember] when those who disbelieve plotted against you [O Muhammad] to restrain you or kill you or evict you from [Makkah], but they plan, and Allah plans, and Allah is the best of planners." [Al-Anfal/30].
This reflects the deep love that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) had for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They were willing to sacrifice their lives, wealth, and families for him.
From this, we learn the importance of fulfilling trusts, as it is an essential part of complete faith. Even the disbelievers, who were enemies of the Prophet, trusted him with their valuables and entrusted him with their deposits. He returned them to the ones who sought to kill him, showing us the significance of loyalty and trustworthiness. Muslims are taught the importance of honoring and returning trusts, regardless of the situation.
Thirdly: Trusting in Allah's Decree, Even in the Most Challenging Circumstances:
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companion Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) embarked on their journey, the Quraysh offered a lucrative reward (a hundred camels) to anyone who could capture them. Despite this pursuit, Suraqa Ibn Malik, who was still a disbeliever at the time, managed to catch up with them. As he approached, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) saw him and, noticing that the hooves of his horse sank into the ground, he turned to Suraqa and said: "How would it be for you, if you wore the bracelets of Kisra?" [Ibn Abd Al-Barr [Al-Isti'ab/Vol.2/P.581]. Days passed, and the Prophet’s prophecy came to fruition. During the time of the Caliphate of Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), Suraqa was honored with the very bracelets of Kisra, as foretold by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) remarked: "All praise is due to Allah, who adorned Suraqa with the bracelets of Kisra, as the Messenger of Truth and Master of Creation (PBUH) promised."
Fourthly: Protecting the Rights of the Weak:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrated the importance of safeguarding the rights of the weak, including orphans, when he purchased a piece of land (Murbad) to build a mosque upon. This land belonged to two orphans, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) insisted on paying its price to the guardian of the orphans. This act teaches the community that true strength lies in protecting the weak, such as orphans, and not in exploiting their rights. From this, we also learn the great role and message of the mosque. It is from the mosque that the battalions of Islamic conquests were raised, and from its walls emerged the heirs of the Prophets—scholars who, through their knowledge and action, preserved the religion of Allah. Thus, we are in dire need to restore the mosque to its rightful role in our communities.
Fifthly: Learning Altruism, Love, and Brotherhood
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established a powerful example of brotherhood and selflessness when he bonded the Muhajirun (the converts to Islam and the Islamic prophet Muhammad's advisors and relatives, who emigrated from Mecca to Medina) and Ansar (The early Muslims from Medina ) together upon his arrival in Medina, may Allah bless it. Allah praised this beautiful bond, saying: "And those who were settled in the home and adopted the faith before them love those who emigrated to them and do not find in their hearts any need from what has been given to them. And they give preference over themselves, even though they are in need. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of their soul—those are the successful." [Al-Hashr/9].
Let us also strive to emigrate from selfishness, hatred, jealousy, animosity, and exploitation, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us that "The emigrant is the one who leaves behind sin and disobedience." [Narrated by Ahmad in his Musnad/Vol.6/P.21]. We are in dire need of embodying the meanings of compassion and love, just as the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did. Allah Describes them in the Qur'an (What means): "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those with him are severe against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, seeking favor from Allah and His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration." [Al-Fatih/29].
Indeed, Allah has Promised victory for His Messenger and his followers, as He Says in the Qur'an (What means): "And Our word has already preceded for Our servants, the messengers, that indeed they would be supported. And indeed, Our soldiers will be the victors." [As-Saffat/171-173].
