Hijra facts for kids
The word Hijra comes from Arabic and means "migration" or "moving from one place to another." It's also spelled hijrah, hejira, or hegira. This word is used in different ways, especially to describe important journeys or changes.
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The Islamic Hijra
The most famous meaning of Hijra is the journey of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers. This happened in the year 622 CE (Common Era). They moved from the city of Mecca to the city of Medina. This journey is very important in Islam. It marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, which is also called the Hijri calendar. The first year of this calendar is known as 1 AH (anno higirae), meaning "in the year of the Hijra."
Early Migrations
Before the main Hijra to Medina, some of Muhammad's followers made other journeys.
- Migration to Abyssinia: In 615 CE, a group of Muhammad's companions, called the Sahaba, moved to Ethiopia (which was then known as Abyssinia). They sought safety there from persecution in Mecca.
- Meccan Boycott: From 617 to 619 CE, Muhammad and his family, the Hashemites, faced a difficult time. People in Mecca boycotted them, meaning they refused to trade with them or marry into their families. This forced some people to move away temporarily.
The Journey to Medina
The final and most significant journey was the Migration to Medina in 622 CE. This move was a turning point for the early Muslim community. It allowed them to establish a new society in Medina.
The Hijri Year
The Hijri year starts with the Hijra to Medina. This calendar is used by Muslims around the world to mark important dates, like religious holidays.
Other Meanings of Hijra
The word Hijra and its different spellings can also refer to other things, often related to journeys or significant changes.
Hejira in Music
- Hejira (album): This is the title of a popular music album released in 1976 by the Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.
- "Hejira" (song): This is also the name of a song on that same album.
Hegira in Books
- Hegira (novel): This is a science fiction novel written by Greg Bear in 1979. It tells a story about a journey into space.
- Hyperion Cantos books: In these science fiction books by Dan Simmons, "Hegira" refers to a big migration of humans moving to different stars across the galaxy.
Hegira in Games
- Hegira (BattleTech): In the BattleTech universe, which is a popular science fiction game, "Hegira" is a term used for a large-scale movement or retreat of forces.
Hiigara in Games
- Hiigara: This is a fictional planet in the computer game Homeworld. In the game's story, the people called the Kushan were forced to leave their home planet, Hiigara. The game is about their long journey to return to Hiigara, which means "our home" in their ancient language.
