Hijrah facts for kids

The Hijrah (also spelled Hijra) was a very important journey taken by the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers. They traveled from the city of Mecca to the city of Medina. This journey was so important that it marks the start of the Islamic calendar. It happened in the year 622 CE.

At first, when Muhammad began teaching about Islam, only his close friends and family followed him. Most people in his tribe, the Quraysh, didn't pay much attention. But when Muhammad started speaking against their traditional beliefs, things became difficult. Muhammad and his small group of Muslims faced many problems. They were boycotted and treated badly by the people of Mecca.

Later, Muhammad's uncle, Abu Talib, who had supported him, passed away. Finally, the leaders of Mecca decided to try and kill Muhammad. They planned for 11 men to attack him with swords.

In May 622, Muhammad secretly left his home in Mecca. He traveled to Medina with his friend and companion, Abu Bakr. People from Medina had invited him to their city. When Prophet Muhammad arrived in Medina, he was welcomed warmly. The city's name was changed from Yathrib to Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, which means 'The Enlightened City'. It is now commonly called Medina.

After the Hijrah, Muhammad wanted to keep the peace. However, the Meccans had stolen belongings from the Muslims who moved to Medina. So, Muslims were allowed to take back their goods. This led to conflicts, including battles like Badr, Uhud, and the Trench.

What Does Hijrah Mean?

The word "Hijrah" comes from the Arabic word هجرة. It means "to cut off ties" or "to avoid association." It can also mean "a mutual ending of friendly relations." Sometimes, people mistakenly translate it as "flight." Since 1753, the word has also been used in English to mean a large group of people leaving a place, like an exodus.

Why Did They Leave Mecca?

Medina was a city where both Arabs and Jews lived. The Arab people there belonged to two main tribes: the Banu Aws and the Banu Khazraj. These two tribes were often fighting each other. This made it hard to keep peace and order in the city. They needed a neutral leader to help them find stability. Many Arabs in Medina had also heard from their Jewish neighbors that a new prophet was expected to arrive.

In the year 620 CE, Muhammad met with some members of the Banu Khazraj tribe from Medina. This meeting happened near Mecca. Muhammad taught them about Islam and read parts of the Quran to them. They were impressed and decided to become Muslims.

The next year, in 621, twelve people from Medina met Muhammad again. They told him that Islam was growing in their city. They made a promise to him, known as the First Pledge of al-'Aqabah. They promised to accept him as a prophet, worship only one God, and avoid sins like theft and murder. Muhammad then sent Mus‘ab ibn 'Umair with them to teach them more about Islam.

In 622, about 75 Muslims from both the Aws and Khazraj tribes came to Mecca. They repeated their promises to Muhammad. They also offered him their full support and protection if he would move to Medina. They wanted him to help settle the disputes between the Aws and Khazraj tribes. This promise is called the Second Pledge at al-Aqabah. It was a very important step that prepared the way for the Hijrah to Medina. After these pledges, Muhammad told his followers to move to Medina. Within two months, almost all the Muslims in Mecca had moved there.

The Journey to Medina

Muslims believe that Muhammad waited for a sign from God before leaving Mecca. Once he received it, he started getting ready and told Abu Bakr. On the night Muhammad left, his house was surrounded by men from the Quraysh tribe. They had seen many Muslims leave the city and planned to kill Muhammad as soon as he stepped out.

Muhammad was known for being trustworthy. People from the Quraysh had left their valuable belongings with him for safekeeping. He asked Ali to stay behind to return these items and fulfill his duties. Muhammad also asked Ali to wear his cloak and lie on his bed. This made the attackers think Muhammad was still there. Ali risked his life by staying in Mecca but survived. He later traveled to Medina with his mother, Fatima bint Asad, Muhammad's daughters Fatimah and Umm Kulthum, and two other women.

Muhammad and Abu Bakr left Mecca and hid in a cave on Thawr mountain for three days. They did this to avoid the Quraysh group who were chasing them. This group was led by Suraqa bin Malik. When Suraqa got close to Muhammad and Abu Bakr, his horse stumbled. This happened several times until he finally gave up trying to catch them.

Muhammad and Abu Bakr then traveled along the Red Sea coast towards Medina. They first arrived at Quba'. Muhammad stopped there and built a mosque. He waited there for fourteen days for Ali and his family to join him. After that, he continued to Medina. On the way, they held their first Friday prayer. When they reached Medina, the people of the city greeted them very kindly.

What Happened After the Hijrah?

After moving to Medina, Muhammad's followers faced poverty. Their Meccan persecutors had taken their wealth and belongings left behind in Mecca. Starting in January 623, Muhammad led some actions against Meccan trade caravans traveling along the eastern coast of the Red Sea. This helped unite different tribes during this challenging time. This unity was mostly based on family connections.

The second leader of the Muslims, Omar, decided that the year the Hijrah happened would be the first year of the Islamic calendar. This decision was made in 638 CE. This is why Hijri dates today are often shown with "AH," which stands for Anno hegirae (Latin for "in the year of the Hijra").

See also

In Spanish: Hégira para niños

• Laylat al-Mabit (Muhammad's escape from Mecca)
• Battle of Badr
• List of Islamic terms in Arabic
• Hajj
• Prophetic biography
• List of expeditions of Muhammad