Hijra

Definition

Hijra refers to the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking a pivotal moment in Islamic history. This event not only signifies the establishment of the first Muslim community but also the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The hijra highlights the challenges faced by early Muslims and their quest for religious freedom, ultimately shaping the growth of Islam and its early caliphates.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The hijra is considered a turning point in Islamic history as it marks not only the migration but also the formation of the first Muslim state in Medina.
2. The event is so significant that it serves as the starting point for the Islamic calendar, known as AH (Anno Hegirae), which counts years from the year of the hijra.
3. During this migration, Muslims faced persecution in Mecca, and the hijra represented their escape from oppression and their hope for a more accepting society in Medina.
4. The community in Medina was built on mutual support and cooperation, known as the Constitution of Medina, which outlined rights and responsibilities among Muslims and other religious groups.
5. The success of the hijra laid the foundation for subsequent military and political expansions under early Islamic caliphates, leading to Islam's rapid spread across the Arabian Peninsula.

Review Questions

• How did the hijra influence the formation of the early Muslim community in Medina?
  • The hijra significantly influenced the formation of the early Muslim community by providing a safe haven for Muslims fleeing persecution in Mecca. In Medina, Muhammad established a cohesive society through agreements such as the Constitution of Medina, which ensured cooperation between Muslims and various tribes. This sense of unity and support helped solidify the foundation of what would become a rapidly growing Islamic community.
• Evaluate the importance of the hijra in establishing the Islamic calendar and its implications for future Muslim governance.
  • The hijra's importance extends beyond migration; it serves as the starting point for the Islamic calendar. This event's designation marks 622 CE as year one in AH (Anno Hegirae), allowing Muslims to chronologically organize their history and significant events. The establishment of an Islamic calendar facilitated future governance structures within the growing Muslim empire, ensuring that political decisions could be aligned with religious observances.
• Assess how the hijra set a precedent for later migrations and expansions within Islamic history, particularly under subsequent caliphates.
  • The hijra set a vital precedent for later migrations and expansions by demonstrating how fleeing persecution can lead to establishing new communities with strong leadership and shared goals. This model was echoed throughout Islamic history, particularly under later caliphates that sought to expand their territories. The successful establishment of a Muslim state in Medina inspired further conquests and cultural exchanges that ultimately spread Islam across vast regions, influencing countless societies.

Related terms

Ummah: The term used to describe the global community of Muslims united by their faith, originating from the bonds formed during the hijra.

Medina: The city to which Muhammad and his followers migrated during the hijra, which became the first Islamic city and a center for the growing Muslim community.

Caliphate:

The political and religious leadership system established after Muhammad's death, with caliphs as successors responsible for leading the Muslim community.