The Warm Welcoming by the Ansar
After an eight-day journey, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلّم arrived at Quba' on Rabia al-Awwal 8, the 14th year of Prophethood (corresponding to September 23, 622 CE) at noon. Quba' lies at a distance of a few miles from Al-Madeenah and was generally taken as the locality of Al-Madeenah. It was largely inhabited by Banu Amr bin Auf (an Arabic tribe) who had already been enlightened by Islam. A few days before the departure of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلّم Makkah, the news of his anticipated arrival in Al-Madeenah was in the air. The “Ansar” (Supporters of the Prophet) of Al-Madeenah would come out of their dwellings early in the morning and kept waiting till noon everyday. Thus, when the Prophet لى الله عليه وسلّم arrived at Quba' at noon, they had already gone back after waiting for some time.
A certain Jew who was watching the crowds of Muslims coming out of their settlement as if they were waiting for someone knew that Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلّم approaching from Mecca. This Jew was then, by chance, upstairs when he witnessed the small caravan moving into Quba'; guessing it to be the caravan of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلّم he cried at the top of his voice: "O people of Arabia, O those taking rest at noon, there has come your object of love."
Having heard this call, the people rushed out of their dwellings and waves of joy gripped the whole atmosphere of Quba'. He صلى الله عليه وسلّم was emerging from an orchard of dates. Bearing in mind that the people might fall into confusion regarding the identification of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلّم Abu Bakr 
drew himself back and shaded the Prophet 
with his mantle, thus making a clear distinction between the Prophet and the companion.
drew himself back and shaded the Prophet with his mantle, thus making a clear distinction between the Prophet and the companion.The Prophet was now entering Quba' and the young girls of the “Ansar” were reciting in great fervor and boundless joy:
was now entering Quba' and the young girls of the “Ansar” were reciting in great fervor and boundless joy:"On the hillside whence caravans are given a send-off,
The full moon comes up in the day.
All the while Allaah is praised.
We had better return our thanks
The noble one, O you sent to us,
You have brought binding commands."
Building the Quba’ Mosque
The Prophet entered Quba' on Monday and stayed there until Friday. He stayed in the house of Khulthum bin Hadm while Abu Bakr stayed with Habeeb bin Asaf. He would hold his assemblies in the house of Sa'd bin Khaithamah and the people visited him at the same place. During this short stay in Quba', he laid the foundation of a mosque, which is the first mosque ever built after the advent of Islaam. On Friday, the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal, he left Quba' and made his entry to Al-Madeenah. He was still in Quba' when Ali bin Abu Talib came and joined him. Ali had made this long and arduous journey on foot. While the Prophet was staying in Quba', Ali who had been busy returning the deposits of the people to their rightful owners (in Mecca) was blessed with the honor of joining the Prophet . He had left Makkah at about the time the Prophet was leaving the cave of Thaur. But since he was traveling by himself, Ali made his movements during the night and kept himself hidden in the day. The Prophet “” avoided busy roads and reached Quba' in eight days, while Ali undertook the journey by the well-known routes, but was late by three or four days because of being on foot.
entered Quba' on Monday and stayed there until Friday. He stayed in the house of Khulthum bin Hadm while Abu Bakr stayed with Habeeb bin Asaf. He would hold his assemblies in the house of Sa'd bin Khaithamah and the people visited him at the same place. During this short stay in Quba', he laid the foundation of a mosque, which is the first mosque ever built after the advent of Islaam. On Friday, the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal, he left Quba' and made his entry to Al-Madeenah. He was still in Quba' when Ali bin Abu Talib came and joined him. Ali had made this long and arduous journey on foot. While the Prophet was staying in Quba', Ali who had been busy returning the deposits of the people to their rightful owners (in Mecca) was blessed with the honor of joining the Prophet . He had left Makkah at about the time the Prophet was leaving the cave of Thaur. But since he was traveling by himself, Ali made his movements during the night and kept himself hidden in the day. The Prophet “” avoided busy roads and reached Quba' in eight days, while Ali undertook the journey by the well-known routes, but was late by three or four days because of being on foot.Entry into Al-Madeenah
Taking the leave of the people of Quba' and Banu Amr bin Auf (Banu means tribe) on Friday, the Prophet moved forward to make his stay in Al-Madeenah. Every household of each locality expressed its strong desire that the Prophet should stay with them. He was in the locality of Banu Saalim bin Auf when the time for Friday (jumu'ah) prayer drew near. The Prophet “” led the prayer in the locality of Banu Saalim bin Auf in a field with about a hundred men behind him. This was the first Friday prayer of the Prophet “” in Al-Madeenah and the first time the Friday sermon (Khutbah) was ever delivered. Later on, a mosque was built at that place.
moved forward to make his stay in Al-Madeenah. Every household of each locality expressed its strong desire that the Prophet should stay with them. He was in the locality of Banu Saalim bin Auf when the time for Friday (jumu'ah) prayer drew near. The Prophet “” led the prayer in the locality of Banu Saalim bin Auf in a field with about a hundred men behind him. This was the first Friday prayer of the Prophet “” in Al-Madeenah and the first time the Friday sermon (Khutbah) was ever delivered. Later on, a mosque was built at that place.After offering the Friday prayer, the Prophet “” mounted his she-camel. Banu Saalim bin Auf approached him and took hold of his she-camel's rein requesting that he stay with them. People of other tribes and localities also came in groups and made the same request. This led to a clash of words, which ended when the Prophet “” said to one and all: "Let her go her way. She is guided by Allaah. I shall stop where the animal sits down." The “Ansar” and “Muhajireen” (emigrants) followed the she-camel on all sides. He set the reins loose and the she-camel moved ahead slowly. All eyes were focused on the animal, and they were eagerly waiting for it to kneel down.
” mounted his she-camel. Banu Saalim bin Auf approached him and took hold of his she-camel's rein requesting that he stay with them. People of other tribes and localities also came in groups and made the same request. This led to a clash of words, which ended when the Prophet “” said to one and all: "Let her go her way. She is guided by Allaah. I shall stop where the animal sits down." The “Ansar” and “Muhajireen” (emigrants) followed the she-camel on all sides. He set the reins loose and the she-camel moved ahead slowly. All eyes were focused on the animal, and they were eagerly waiting for it to kneel down.When the she-camel entered the locality of Banu Biyadah, Ziyad bin Labid and Urwah bin Amr 
the chieftains of the tribes wanted to take hold of the reins but the Prophet “” forbade them saying: "Leave her for she has already been commanded." Then, the she-camel stepped into the locality of Banu Sa'idah and Sa'd bin Ubadah and Mundhir bin Amr the chieftains of Banu Sa'idah made the same attempt but received the same words from the Prophet . After this, she reached the locality of Banu Al-Harith bin Al-Khazraj, and Sa'd bin Ar-Rabi', Kharijah bin Zaid and Abdullah bin Rawahah stepped forward to stop her but received the same reply. From there the she-camel made an entry into the locality of Banu Adi bin An-Najjar. Since Abdul Muttalib's mother, Salma bint Amr, belonged to this clan, they made their claim for the Prophet to stop there. Thus Salit bin Qais and Asirah bin Abu Kharija, the chieftains of Banu Adi, took hold of the reins but he asked them to leave it for the animal had prior instructions for herself. At last the she-camel arrived at the locality of Banu Malik bin An-Najjar and knelt down in a deserted and bare land for a while and then got up and advanced a little, only to turn back and be seated on the same spot again. This time she shook herself and then laid down on her neck wagging her tail.
the chieftains of the tribes wanted to take hold of the reins but the Prophet “” forbade them saying: "Leave her for she has already been commanded." Then, the she-camel stepped into the locality of Banu Sa'idah and Sa'd bin Ubadah and Mundhir bin Amr the chieftains of Banu Sa'idah made the same attempt but received the same words from the Prophet . After this, she reached the locality of Banu Al-Harith bin Al-Khazraj, and Sa'd bin Ar-Rabi', Kharijah bin Zaid and Abdullah bin Rawahah stepped forward to stop her but received the same reply. From there the she-camel made an entry into the locality of Banu Adi bin An-Najjar. Since Abdul Muttalib's mother, Salma bint Amr, belonged to this clan, they made their claim for the Prophet to stop there. Thus Salit bin Qais and Asirah bin Abu Kharija, the chieftains of Banu Adi, took hold of the reins but he asked them to leave it for the animal had prior instructions for herself. At last the she-camel arrived at the locality of Banu Malik bin An-Najjar and knelt down in a deserted and bare land for a while and then got up and advanced a little, only to turn back and be seated on the same spot again. This time she shook herself and then laid down on her neck wagging her tail.Close to this unpopulated land was the house of Abu Ayub Khalid bin Zaid Ansari . He rushed to the spot with his face beaming with joy and took the belongings of the Prophet to his house. Thus he stayed with him in his house. The deserted land was the property of two orphan boys Sahl and Suhail. It had a few date trees, some graves of polytheists and a resting spot for herds of cattle. "Who is the owner of this land?" The Prophet enquired. Mu'adh bin Afra responded, "This piece of land belongs to two orphan boys related to me, and I take care of them; I shall make them agree, you may take it for building a mosque." But the Prophet asserted, "I want to buy it, and will not take it without paying its price." Abu Bakr made the payment at once. With the order of the Prophet the date trees were cut, the graves leveled, and the construction work of the mosque was started then and there. The Prophet joined the builders. The walls of the mosque were constructed with stone and clay, the roof with wood and leaves of the date palm. Until his house was built, the Prophet continued to live with Abu Ayub Ansari for six months and a few days.
. He rushed to the spot with his face beaming with joy and took the belongings of the Prophet to his house. Thus he stayed with him in his house. The deserted land was the property of two orphan boys Sahl and Suhail. It had a few date trees, some graves of polytheists and a resting spot for herds of cattle. "Who is the owner of this land?" The Prophet enquired. Mu'adh bin Afra responded, "This piece of land belongs to two orphan boys related to me, and I take care of them; I shall make them agree, you may take it for building a mosque." But the Prophet asserted, "I want to buy it, and will not take it without paying its price." Abu Bakr made the payment at once. With the order of the Prophet the date trees were cut, the graves leveled, and the construction work of the mosque was started then and there. The Prophet joined the builders. The walls of the mosque were constructed with stone and clay, the roof with wood and leaves of the date palm. Until his house was built, the Prophet continued to live with Abu Ayub Ansari for six months and a few days.The mosque built during the time of the Prophet saw no change before the caliphate of Umar . During his caliphate, it underwent an expansion for the first time. Uthman bin Affan strengthened it. During the time of Walid bin Abdul-Malik 
it saw more expansion with the inclusion of the dwellings of the noble wives of the Prophet .
saw no change before the caliphate of Umar . During his caliphate, it underwent an expansion for the first time. Uthman bin Affan strengthened it. During the time of Walid bin Abdul-Malik it saw more expansion with the inclusion of the dwellings of the noble wives of the Prophet . The Prophet was in the house of Abu Ayub Ansari when he sent Zaid bin Harithath and Abu Rafi to bring Fatimah, Umm Kulthum, Saudah bint Zam'ah, Usamah bin Zaid and his mother, as well as Umm Aiman . Talha bin Ubaidullah, along with Abdullah bin Abu Bakr, and his relatives, also accompanied them . After the arrival of these people, the Prophet moved into his newly built home.
was in the house of Abu Ayub Ansari when he sent Zaid bin Harithath and Abu Rafi to bring Fatimah, Umm Kulthum, Saudah bint Zam'ah, Usamah bin Zaid and his mother, as well as Umm Aiman . Talha bin Ubaidullah, along with Abdullah bin Abu Bakr, and his relatives, also accompanied them . After the arrival of these people, the Prophet moved into his newly built home.Hijrah of Hearts: The Greatest Kind of Hijrah
By Sheikh Salih ibn Fawzan |
Praise be to Allah Who has ordained the hijrah (migration) of hearts and the hijrah of bodies on His servants and has made these two kinds of migration everlasting throughout the ages. We Muslims should follow the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) by modeling ourselves after his guidance and course of life and following in his footsteps in terms of talking and behaving. Allah Almighty has ordered us to do this, saying,[Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the last Day, and remembereth Allah much](Al-Ahzab 33:21).
By the beginning of the month of Muharram, people start talking much about the Prophet's Hijrah in sermons, lectures, and the mass media. Such speeches are mostly mere stories by which people pass the time; and in a few days, the matter is neglected and forgotten without affecting people's souls or being regarded as a model to follow in manners and behavior. Rather, it has become an annual custom that people speak of without understanding or acting according to the meaning of hijrah.
Linguistically speaking, the wordhijrahin Arabic indicates separating oneself from others bodily, spiritually, or in speech. Legally speaking, it means departing from disbelieving countries, evil people, or evil deeds and dispraised practices. The hijrah in this sense is among the traditions of Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him) who said,[Lo! I am going unto my Lord Who will guide me](As-Saffat 37:99). The verse refers to Ibrahim's emigration from the country of disbelievers, seeking faith. Some of his offspring accompanied him to Ash-Sham, where Al-Aqsa Mosque is located in Palestine, and then, accompanied by some others of his offspring, he moved to Al-Hijaz, where the Sacred Mosque is situated in Makkah. This is stated in the invocation mentioned in the verse that reads[Our Lord! Lo! I have settled some of my posterity in an uncultivable valley near unto Thy holy House](Ibrahim 14:37).
Hijrah was also established by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as he twice ordered his Companions to immigrate to Abyssinia to preserve their faith when the disbelievers in Makkah began torturing them severely. The Prophet, however, remained in Makkah calling people to Allah, in spite of the great harm he received. Then Allah Almighty permitted him to immigrate to Madinah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) allowed his Companions to go to Madinah, and, accordingly, they began emigrating, leaving their homes and properties, seeking the bounties and satisfaction of Allah, and helping Allah's cause and His Messenger. Allah praised those Muhajirun (immigrants to Madinah) and promised them great reward. That is why Hijrah is mentioned in the Qur’an associated with jihad. Further, the Muhajirun became the best of the Prophet's Companions, as they sacrificed everything one may cherish; namely home, property, family, and relatives, in order to preserve their faith and to please Allah.
Emigration has become an established fact that will not cease until Judgment Day, as stated in the hadith that reads“Hijrah will not end until repentance ends, and repentance will not end until the sun rises in the west(that is immediately before the Judgment Day).”Hence, whoever cannot declare his religion in a particular place must move to another place where he can freely declare his faith. Moreover, Allah Almighty has threatened whoever can emigrate for the above-mentioned reason and does not:[Lo! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they wrong themselves, (the angels) will ask: In what were ye engaged? They will say: We were oppressed in the land. (The angels) will say: Was not Allah's earth spacious that ye could have migrated therein? As for such, their habitation will be hell, an evil journey's end; Except the feeble among men, and the women, and the children, who are unable to devise a plan and are not shown a way. As for such, it may be that Allah will pardon them. Allah is ever Clement, Forgiving](An-Nisaa’ 4:97–99).
This is, in fact, a strongly worded threat to whoever neglects emigration, when needed, without a legal excuse. Allah’s earth is spacious, and without doubt, there are many good places where one may practice one’s religion freely. In accordance with this meaning, Allah Almighty says,[Whoso migrateth for the cause of Allah will find much refuge and abundance in the earth](An-Nisaa’ 4:100). Furthermore, Allah compensates those who emigrate for the properties left behind. The Almighty says,[To those who leave their homes in the cause of Allah, after suffering oppression, we will assuredly give a goodly home in this world; but truly the reward of the Hereafter will be greater; if they only realized (this)!](An-Nahl: 41–42).
Among the different kinds of hijrah is the abandonment of wrongdoings such as acts of disbelief, polytheism, hypocrisy, and other evil deeds and bad morals. Addressing Prophet Muhammad, Allah Almighty says,[And idols, shun](Al-Muddaththir 74:5). Avoiding idols, as stated in the verse, also implies denouncing them as well as the people who glorify them. Besides, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) tells us that a Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands, and an emigrant is the one who abandons all what Allah has forbidden. The hadith indicates that one should forsake any deed, rule, word, food, or anything Allah Almighty has prohibited, as well as forbidden gaze and forbidden hearing. All such matters should be forsaken completely.
Another kind of hijrah is to desert wrongdoers such as disbelievers, hypocrites, immoral people, and the like, as Allah Almighty says,[And bear patiently what they say and avoid them with a becoming avoidance](Al-Muzzammil 73:10). Here, Allah orders His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to be patient with those foolish persons who belie him among his people, and to forsake them without blaming them.
The highest form of hijrah is the hijrah of the hearts to Allah through worshiping Him sincerely in secret and in public. In this form of hijrah, the true believer should not intend anything with his words and deeds except gaining Allah's pleasure and should not love except Allah and whoever is loved by Allah. Similarly, hijrah to Allah's Messenger can be fulfilled by following him and giving priority to obeying his orders over anybody else's.
To conclude, discussing hijrah cannot be fulfilled by just narrating the stories and incidents of the Prophet’s Hijrah, nor by holding ceremonies and then, all of a sudden, everything ends, leaving no trace in the soul or effect on the behavior. Unfortunately, many of those who talk about hijrah every new year do not know its meaning or act according its objectives. They may even act in contrast with such meanings and objectives; and thus talking about hijrah becomes mere words, which are of no avail.
*A member of The Saudi Counsel of Senior Scholars, the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Fatwas and the Fiqh Academy in Makkah affiliated to the Muslim World League.
Courtesy: http://www.islamonline.net/English/NewHijriYear/1426/MigrationoftheHeart/Articles/02.shtml
Beneficial lessons derived from the Hijrah
By Sheik Ali Al Hudayfi
All praise is due to Allaah, the Subduer. I testify that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allaah and I testify that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah as He should be feared so that you will prosper in this world and the Hereafter.
Fellow Muslims! The aspiration of lofty goals and the fulfilment of one's religious obligations require a great deal of time, effort and wealth. One’s very life may even be at stake during the course of fulfilling these great objectives in addition to the loss of friends, the gaining of enemies, the exposition of oneself to ridicule and the vulnerability of having few helpers and protectors. This in fact was exactly the situation of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam during his propagation of Islam.
Allaah sent Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam to mankind at the time when they were most in need of his message. The People of the Book (i.e. the Jews and Christians) had by then altered their books and the whole world was in the total darkness of polytheism and ignorance. It was at this time that Allaah chose to send His slave Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam to mankind.
The Almighty says that which translates as: "Say [O Muhammad], ‘O Mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allaah to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death.’” (Al-A'raaf: 158).
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was sent at a time when people were worshipping unworthy objects such as trees, stones, the moon, angels, Jinns, the prophet 'Iesaa (or Jesus, peace be upon him) etc. He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam found them supplicating to these deities, seeking assistance and refuge with them, beseeching them for benefits, slaughtering for them, vowing to them, and taking them as intermediaries to Allaah. He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also found them consulting fortune-tellers and sorcerers, spreading immorality, mistreating neighbours, severing bonds of kinship, earning money from dubious means, practicing interest-based transactions and usurping other people's properties. This was in addition to all the other well-known evils that were prevalent in that society. Their religion, customs and traditions were purely based on personal interests and material considerations.
It was at this very time that Allaah sent His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam to mankind, calling people to testify that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allaah alone and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam called to all that this statement entailed such as devoting all acts of worship like Du’aa’, or supplication, slaughtering, vowing, and seeking help and refuge, making Tawaaf, or circumambulation of the Ka’bah, etc. to Allaah alone. Allaah says that which translates as: “Say, ‘Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him…'" (Al-An'aam: 151).
He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also called on mankind to take himself as the only example for guidance. Allaah says that which translates as: "…And whatever the Messenger has given you – take; and what he has forbidden you – refrain from." (Al-Hashr: 7).
The Prophet of mercy sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam came to enjoin on people chastity, noble manners and characteristics, firmness in faith, kindness to kith and kin, good neighbourliness and abstention from injustice and oppression. He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam enjoined them to consult the Book of Allaah in all their affairs and forbade them from visiting soothsayers. He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam enjoined earning from lawful means and spending in virtuous ways and made everybody equal with respect to the law of Allaah. Allaah says that which translates as: "Say, ‘My Lord has only forbidden immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed – and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allaah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allaah that which you do not know.’" (Al-A'raaf: 33).
He also says that which translates as: “Indeed, Allaah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives…" (An-Nahl: 90).
Ibn Jareer, who was one of the great early Qur’aanic commentators, related from Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, that he said: “When Abu Taalib, the uncle of the messenger of Allah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam fell sick, the elders of Quraysh, including Abu Jahl, visited him and said: 'Your nephew insults our gods. Do justice to us and stop him from insulting them. If he does so then we will leave him and his God alone in return’.
Abu Taalib then addressed the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, who was among them, and said: 'O nephew! Why do your people complain that you insult their gods?' The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam replied: 'O uncle! I only want them to utter a statement through which all the Arabs will be indebted to them (i.e. the Quraysh) and due to which the non-Arabs (read, non-muslims) will have to pay them Jizyah (poll-tax).' Abu Jahl remarked, 'If this is the case, then we will even say it ten times if need be.' Then the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: 'Then say: Laa Ilaaha Ill-Allaah.' [i.e., the Kalimah: there is nothing worthy of worship except Allaah]. The Quraysh elders were disgusted when they heard this and turned their backs dusting their garments (this is an expression of utter rejection) saying: 'Does he want that we give up all our gods and only worship his One God? This is really an amazing thing!'
These elders fully appreciated the ramifications of uttering this statement; that it would transform man totally in his worship, social interactions and whole way of life; as Allaah says that which translates as: "Say, ‘Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allaah, Lord of the worlds. No partner has He. And this I have been commanded, and I am the first [among you] of the Muslims." (Al-An'aam: 162-163).
This is the true meaning of the Kalimah from which the Quraysh idolaters fled. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam called all of mankind to this concept; to a religion that elevates man to highest ranks and which can make him achieve eternal happiness.
Only a few weak people responded to his call and they were severely persecuted by the disbelievers. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was opposed by three sets of people: the envious, the arrogant who knew the truth yet denied it; and the misled ignorant ones. These people exerted all their efforts to stop the spread of Islam.
"They want to extinguish the light of Allaah with their mouths, but Allaah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it." (As-Saff: 8).
When the torment became severe in Makkah and the idolaters wanted to assassinate the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, the angel Jibreel, peace be upon him, came to him and said: "Allaah has given you permission to migrate to Al-Madeenah; therefore, do not spend tonight in your house; giving them (the idolaters) the chance to get to you." While the idolaters were lying in wait outside the house of the messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam for him to come out - so that they could all strike him at the same time, he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam emerged, reciting the opening verses of Soorat Yaaseen and throwing sand in their faces. Allaah prevented the idolaters from seeing him and made slumber overtake them. The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and his companion, Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, hid in the cave of Thawr for three days until the search for them subsided.
Quraysh searched for him in every nook and cranny and followed his tracks until they were at the very entrance of the cave that they were hiding in. Abu Bakr then said, ‘If any of them looks down at their feet, they will see us.’ The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam replied, assuring him: "What do you think about two companions, of whom Allaah is the third? (i.e. in terms of assistance)".
After three days, the two companions found a guide and proceeded to Madeenah. This is the story of how Hijrah took place and it represented a manifest victory for Islaam and the Muslims in that Allaah rendered the disbelievers' plots fruitless.
Allaah says that which translates as: "If you do not aid him (i.e. the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) – Allaah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of the two, when they [i.e. Muhammad and Abu Bakr] were in the cave and he [i.e. Muhammad] said to his companion. ‘Do not grieve; indeed Allaah is with us.’ And Allaah sent down His tranquillity, upon him and supported him with soldiers [i.e. angels] you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allaah – that is the highest. And Allaah is Exalted in Might and Wise." (At-Tawbah: 40).
The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was exposed to several assassination attempts, both before and after his migration. In Makkah, Abu Jahl had attempted to kill him before Allaah sent the angel Jibreel, peace be upon him, to prevent him from carrying out this devilish act. At the battle of Tabook, an attempt was made on his life by some of the hypocrites. Even in his own mosque in Madeenah, an attempt was made to kill him by poisoning, but Allaah saved him from all these attempts. This was due to him actualising all forms of worship totally for the sake of Allaah and for his sincere dependence on Him. Allaah says that which translates as: "...And whoever relies upon Allaah – the He is sufficient for him." (Talaaq: 3).
While the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was on his way to Madeenah during his migration, Suraaqah bin Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, who had not yet embraced Islaam at that time, pursued the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam in order to capture or kill him and win the prize money that Quraysh had offered for doing so. However, Allah intended that Suraaqah, may Allaah be pleased with him, would change his mind and ask the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam to forgive him instead.
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and his companion Abu Bakr, may Allaah be pleased with him, entered Madeenah gloriously and honourably. He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam then moved into a house, built his mosque with quarters for his wives and started a new era full of blessings and victories based on divine support. After this, Hijrah from Makkah to Madeenah became compulsory on every Muslim, until the conquest of Makkah by the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.
Also, Hijrah is compulsory upon all Muslims from all places at all times from where they are unable to practice their religion. The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: "Embracing Islaam wipes out all sins which were committed before it and making Hijrah also erases all the sins that were committed before it." He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also said: "Hijrah will not cease until there is no more repentance and repentance will not cease until the sun rises from the west.”
The issue of Hijrah to Madeenah was a miracle in itself, for the city at that time was very meagre in terms of commerce, infrastructure and agricultural resources. In fact, living in the city was financially-restrictive even for its inhabitants. By any human estimation, emigration to such a city, with all its deficiencies, would cause immense economic and social difficulties, but as Allaah would have it, the reverse was the case for the Hijrah to Madeenah.
This Hijrah was the cause the town accomplishing an immense amount of benefit. People now had the opportunity of meeting the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, learning their religion from him, emulating his noble character, preserving his Sunnah, knowing much of his public and private life and everything else about the religion of Islaam. Hijrah had a great impact on Islaam and the Muslims, for Allaah bestowed a lot of His blessings on Muslims through this.
Although the Muslims faced some difficulties during the first days of their emigration to Madeenah, they were able to overcome these difficulties through their strong belief, patience and perseverance. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was full of love and compassion for the people in general and their children in particular. After the initial period of hardships, Allaah bestowed good things in abundance upon Madeenah in all areas of life.
Dear Muslims! We have all missed out on the reward of making Hijrah to Allaah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam during the prophetic era, but there is another type of Hijrah which we can make and which will earn us immense rewards: We must emigrate from disobedience to obedience of Allaah; shun negligence in religious matters and migrate to adherence; emigrate from sins to submission to Allaah; emigrate from laziness and false hopes to diligence, seriousness and striving in what pleases Allaah; and emigration of our hearts from affinity to this mundane life to the love of the hereafter.
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: "The Muslim is one who does not harm other Muslims with his hands or tongue and the Muhajir (or emigrant) is the one who shuns all that Allaah has forbidden." He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also said: "An act of worship performed during the time of Fitnah (trials) is equal to an act of emigration to me in reward." Allaah says that which translates as: "Indeed, those who have believed and those who have emigrated and fought in the cause of Allaah – those expect the mercy of Allaah. And Allaah is Forgiving and Merciful." (Al-Baqarah: 218).
Brothers in faith! Fear Allaah as he should be feared and do not die except as Muslims. Fellow Muslims! The All-Mighty says that which translates as: "And it is He who has made the night and day in succession for whoever desires to remember or desires gratitude." (Al-Furqaan: 62).
Indeed, the succession of day and night is one of the great signs of Allaah and a great mercy from Him. It allows a person who has missed out on the performance of a righteous deed in the night to make it up during the next day and vice versa.
Brothers in Islaam! There are in the in the Prophet's Hijrah admonitions and lessons for every Muslim, especially of patience and perseverance. Also, another of its lessons is that it was the will of Allaah to make His Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam perform the Hijrah with means that human beings are well accustomed to, such as riding on a camel and hiring a guide. If He had wished, He could have willed that his Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam did the Hijrah on Al-Buraaq (an extraordinary animal that moved at great speed), but the will of Allaah was that He wanted the Muslims to emulate their Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and to aid and assist their religion with whatever means that Allaah He has facilitated for them. The greatest obligation upon you all then, dear brothers, is to aid and assist the religion of Allaah by practicing it and calling to it in your community and being patient upon that.
Indeed, the current predicament of the Muslims throughout the world necessitates that we benefit from the lessons derived from the Hijrah. We must realise that the situation of this generation of Muslims cannot improve except by that which improved the condition of our righteous predecessors, namely; Sincere and correct belief, an real actualisation of Tawheed, or the unity of Allaah in terms of worship, noble manners and characters, absolute trust in Allaah, patience and perfection of acts of worship in accordance with the sunnah. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: "Fear Allaah wherever you are, follow up an evil deed with a good one; for it will erase it - and be well mannered in your dealings with people."
Did Other Prophets Make Hijrah?
By Sheik Yusuf al Qaradawi
Most of Allah’s Messengers, if not all, emigrated. However, their emigrations differed from that of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). For example, Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessing be upon him) emigrated, as related in the Qur’an: (And Lot believed him, and said: Lo! I am a fugitive unto my Lord. Lo! He, only He, is the Mighty, the Wise) (Al-`Ankabut 29: 26). In another verse, He Almighty says: (And he said: Lo! I am going unto my Lord Who will guide me) (As-Saffat 37: 99). So, Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him) migrated from place to place till he settled at a town in Palestine, where he was then buried. That town, Al-Khalil Ibrahim, is now named after him.
Prophet Musa (peace and blessings be upon him) also emigrated before he was assigned with the divine mission. He fled from Egypt after he had mistakenly killed an Egyptian. He sought Allah’s forgiveness for that, and a man advised him to get out of Egypt in order to escape people’s revenge. Allah Almighty says: (And a man came from the uttermost part of the city, running. He said: O Moses! Lo! the chiefs take counsel against thee to slay thee; therefore escape. Lo! I am of those who give thee good advice. So he escaped from thence, fearing, vigilant. He said: My Lord ! Deliver me from the wrongdoing folk) (Al-Qasas 28: 20-21).
Then Prophet Musa (peace and blessings be upon him) went to a country called Madyan, where he married the daughter of a righteous old man (Prophet Shu`aib, peace be upon him) and stayed with him for ten years. Throughout that period, Musa had no divine mission. He lived as a righteous man, a good husband, and a generous son-in-law; however, he had no prominent role to perform.
That is to say, Prophet Musa (peace and blessings be upon him) emigrated for fear of revenge. He said, as related in the Qur’an: (Then I fled from you when I feared you, and my Lord vouchsafed me a command and appointed me (of the number) of those sent (by Him)) (Ash-Shu`ara’ 42: 21). On the other hand, the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was not only to escape temptation and torture of his people. It was the starting point to establish the Muslim Ummah, a new Muslim community based on Islam, the universal divine message that calls for morality and human rights. That was the very purpose of Prophet Muhammad’s Hijrah to Madinah, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) performed his role as best as possible. He put the foundation of a sound Muslim community and established the best Ummah ever created.
Courtesy: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503547912&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaEAskTheScholar
Most of Allah’s Messengers, if not all, emigrated. However, their emigrations differed from that of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). For example, Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessing be upon him) emigrated, as related in the Qur’an: (And Lot believed him, and said: Lo! I am a fugitive unto my Lord. Lo! He, only He, is the Mighty, the Wise) (Al-`Ankabut 29: 26). In another verse, He Almighty says: (And he said: Lo! I am going unto my Lord Who will guide me) (As-Saffat 37: 99). So, Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him) migrated from place to place till he settled at a town in Palestine, where he was then buried. That town, Al-Khalil Ibrahim, is now named after him.
Prophet Musa (peace and blessings be upon him) also emigrated before he was assigned with the divine mission. He fled from Egypt after he had mistakenly killed an Egyptian. He sought Allah’s forgiveness for that, and a man advised him to get out of Egypt in order to escape people’s revenge. Allah Almighty says: (And a man came from the uttermost part of the city, running. He said: O Moses! Lo! the chiefs take counsel against thee to slay thee; therefore escape. Lo! I am of those who give thee good advice. So he escaped from thence, fearing, vigilant. He said: My Lord ! Deliver me from the wrongdoing folk) (Al-Qasas 28: 20-21).
Then Prophet Musa (peace and blessings be upon him) went to a country called Madyan, where he married the daughter of a righteous old man (Prophet Shu`aib, peace be upon him) and stayed with him for ten years. Throughout that period, Musa had no divine mission. He lived as a righteous man, a good husband, and a generous son-in-law; however, he had no prominent role to perform.
That is to say, Prophet Musa (peace and blessings be upon him) emigrated for fear of revenge. He said, as related in the Qur’an: (Then I fled from you when I feared you, and my Lord vouchsafed me a command and appointed me (of the number) of those sent (by Him)) (Ash-Shu`ara’ 42: 21). On the other hand, the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was not only to escape temptation and torture of his people. It was the starting point to establish the Muslim Ummah, a new Muslim community based on Islam, the universal divine message that calls for morality and human rights. That was the very purpose of Prophet Muhammad’s Hijrah to Madinah, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) performed his role as best as possible. He put the foundation of a sound Muslim community and established the best Ummah ever created.
Courtesy: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503547912&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaEAskTheScholar
The Spirit of Hijrah
By Muzammil H. Siddiqi
In the Glorious Qur'an, Allah, Most High, says, (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. Their Lord does give them glad tidings of a Mercy from Himself, of His good pleasure, and of Gardens where enduring pleasure will be theirs: They will dwell therein forever. Verily in Allah’s presence is a reward, the greatest (of all). ) (Al-Tawbah 9: 20-22)
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 `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 and blessings 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 (Mosque): The Prophet (peace and blessings 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 (mosques) were established in Madinah.
2. Madrasah ( Islamic school and educational institution for the community): The first school under the supervision of the Prophet (peace and blessings 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 Madinah alone in the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
3. Mu'akhah: He established brotherly relations between the Muhajirun (Muslims who migrated from Makkah) and the Ansar (residents of Madinah who helped the Prophet and his Companions). Masjid and Madrasah were 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 prior to Islam.
4. Intercommunity and Interfaith Relations: Prophet (peace and blessings 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. The Prophet (peace and blessings 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 (Prophet's Companions) came from Makkah to Madinah, many of them got sick and did not like that city. The Prophet (peace and blessings 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. Water System in the City: The Prophet (peace and blessings 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.
7. Agriculture and Gardening: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged the Sahabah to cultivate the land and make gardens. He told them that any one who would cultivate any dead land, would own it. Many people started working and cultivating and soon there was enough food for every one.
8. Poverty Eradication: In a short period of time it happened that there were no poor people in Madinah. Every one had enough and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to give gifts to coming delegations.
9. 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.
In short, Hijrah teaches us that wherever Muslims go, they should bring goodness to that land. Muslims should work for both moral and material goodness of the society.
Courtesy: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503545050&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaEAskTheScholar
In the Glorious Qur'an, Allah, Most High, says, (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. Their Lord does give them glad tidings of a Mercy from Himself, of His good pleasure, and of Gardens where enduring pleasure will be theirs: They will dwell therein forever. Verily in Allah’s presence is a reward, the greatest (of all). ) (Al-Tawbah 9: 20-22)
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 `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 and blessings 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 (Mosque): The Prophet (peace and blessings 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 (mosques) were established in Madinah.
2. Madrasah ( Islamic school and educational institution for the community): The first school under the supervision of the Prophet (peace and blessings 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 Madinah alone in the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
3. Mu'akhah: He established brotherly relations between the Muhajirun (Muslims who migrated from Makkah) and the Ansar (residents of Madinah who helped the Prophet and his Companions). Masjid and Madrasah were 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 prior to Islam.
4. Intercommunity and Interfaith Relations: Prophet (peace and blessings 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. The Prophet (peace and blessings 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 (Prophet's Companions) came from Makkah to Madinah, many of them got sick and did not like that city. The Prophet (peace and blessings 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. Water System in the City: The Prophet (peace and blessings 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.
7. Agriculture and Gardening: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged the Sahabah to cultivate the land and make gardens. He told them that any one who would cultivate any dead land, would own it. Many people started working and cultivating and soon there was enough food for every one.
8. Poverty Eradication: In a short period of time it happened that there were no poor people in Madinah. Every one had enough and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to give gifts to coming delegations.
9. 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.
In short, Hijrah teaches us that wherever Muslims go, they should bring goodness to that land. Muslims should work for both moral and material goodness of the society.
Courtesy: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503545050&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaEAskTheScholar
Why was Madinah chosen for Hijrah
As regards the question why was Madinah chosen for Hijrah, we would like to cite for you the following words of Sayed Abul A`la Al-Maududi, who explains some reasons for which Madinah was chosen to be the centre of Da`wah at its very early days:
Makkah elders devised a plot to assassinate the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in order to nip the Islamic movement in the bud. When affairs reached that pitiful state, Almighty Allah ordered His Messenger to leave Makkah and migrate to Madinah.
Madinah, a city some 450 kilometers from Makkah, was growing as a centre for Islam. A number of people had already been converted to the new faith. Islamic teachings were winning new supporters every day. Leaders of the two major tribes of Madinah had accepted Islam and were ready to sacrifice their lives and property for the cause of Islam. At this point, the Prophet started planning to move to Madinah.
Excerpted, with slight modifications, from:
http://www.islam101.com/dawah/islamhp.htm
In order to have a clear view of other reasons for choosing Madinah to be the centre of the nascent Muslim state, we would like to cite the following for you:
Yathrib had been chosen by Allah to shelter the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) after his migration and to bring forth not only the first Islamic Society but also to serve as a focal point for the universal call of Islam. The great honor accorded to the city makes it necessary to know its distinctive features. Such as its physical, social and cultural conditions, the Arab tribes living there and their mutual relations, the economic and political manipulations of the Jews and their fighting spirit as well as the way of life sustained by its fertile land. Various religions, cultures and communities flourished in the city tremendously, contrary to Makkah, which was dominated by one faith and one cultural pattern. The following details given here depict the state of affairs in Madinah when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) made his debut in that city.
Jews
Three Jewish tribes, Banu Qaynuqa`, Banu an-Nadir and Banu Quraydha, were settled in Madinah. The number of adults belonging to these tribes was over two thousands; Banu Qaynuqa` was estimated to have seven hundred combatants, with Banu an-Nadir having almost the same number too, while the grown-ups of Banu Quraydha were reported to be between seven and nine hundred.
These tribes were not in good terms and very often they are caught in confrontations with one another. The Qur’an makes a reference to the mutual discord between the Jews: (And when We made with you a covenant (saying): Shed not the blood of your people nor turn (party of) your people out of your dwellings. Then ye ratified (Our covenant) and ye were witnesses (thereto). Yet it is you who slay each other and drive out party of your people from their homes, supporting one another against them by sin and transgression - and if they come to you as captives ye would ransom them, whereas their expulsion was itself unlawful for you.) (Al-Baqarah 2: 84-85)
The financial relationship of the Madinan Jews with the other tribes was mainly limited to lending money on interest or on security or sequestration of personal property upon payment failure. In an agricultural region like Madinah, there was ample scope for money-lending business since the farmers very often needed capital for purposes of cultivation. (Dr. Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi, Banu Israel Fil-Qur’an was-Sunnah, pp. 80-81)
The system of lending money was not limited merely to pledging personal property as security for repayment of the loan, for the lenders very often forced the borrowers to pledge even their women and children.
Concentration of capital in the hands of the Jews had given them power to exercise economic pressure on the social economy of the city. The stock markets were at their mercy. They rigged the market through hoarding, thereby creating artificial shortages and causing rise and fall in prices. Most of the people in Madinah detested the Jews owing to such malpractices of usury and profiteering, which were against the substance of the common Arabs. (Banu Israel Fil-Qur’an was-Sunnah, p. 79)
The Jews being driven by nothing but their haughty cupidity and selfishness in their social transactions with the Arab tribes, Aus and Khazraj, spent lavishly, though judiciously, in creating a rift between the two tribes. On a number of occasions in the past, they had successfully pitted one tribe against the other, leaving both tribes worn out and economically ruined in the end. The only objective Jews had set before themselves was how to maintain their economic dominion over Madinah.
For many centuries, the Jews had been waiting for a redeemer. This belief of the Jews in the coming prophet, about which they used to talk with the Arabs, had prepared the Aus and the Khazraj to give their faith readily to the Prophet. (Banu Israel Fil-Qur’an was-Sunnah, pp. 73-101)
Source: http://www.prophetmuhammed.org/docs/biograf_d39.html
Within all these communal differences, it was necessary to place this growing Muslim community so as to give Muslims a good chance for better interaction and sufficient training that will help them in their coming days. Madinah had many unique features that made her the due recipient of that honor. It was very important for Muslims to receive training and establish their state amongst all these communities and different levels of thinking.
Dealing with Jews taught Muslims how to argue with the People of the Book in good words and how to know the wicked and cunning conspiracies being made for them behind their backs. It was very important for the growing Muslim communities to be trained on the way of fighting those enemies who take refuge in their fortifications, a thing, which was practiced by Jews.
It was also necessary for the Islamic Da`wah, at this very early age, to face hypocrites who apparently declare that they believe in Islam but, in the meantime, help its enemies. All these are no more than some aspects of the Divine wisdom behind choosing Madinah to be the place where the first Muslim state is established.
And Allah knows best.
Courtesy: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503545112&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaEAskTheScholar
Makkah elders devised a plot to assassinate the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in order to nip the Islamic movement in the bud. When affairs reached that pitiful state, Almighty Allah ordered His Messenger to leave Makkah and migrate to Madinah.
Madinah, a city some 450 kilometers from Makkah, was growing as a centre for Islam. A number of people had already been converted to the new faith. Islamic teachings were winning new supporters every day. Leaders of the two major tribes of Madinah had accepted Islam and were ready to sacrifice their lives and property for the cause of Islam. At this point, the Prophet started planning to move to Madinah.
Excerpted, with slight modifications, from:
http://www.islam101.com/dawah/islamhp.htm
In order to have a clear view of other reasons for choosing Madinah to be the centre of the nascent Muslim state, we would like to cite the following for you:
Yathrib had been chosen by Allah to shelter the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) after his migration and to bring forth not only the first Islamic Society but also to serve as a focal point for the universal call of Islam. The great honor accorded to the city makes it necessary to know its distinctive features. Such as its physical, social and cultural conditions, the Arab tribes living there and their mutual relations, the economic and political manipulations of the Jews and their fighting spirit as well as the way of life sustained by its fertile land. Various religions, cultures and communities flourished in the city tremendously, contrary to Makkah, which was dominated by one faith and one cultural pattern. The following details given here depict the state of affairs in Madinah when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) made his debut in that city.
Jews
Three Jewish tribes, Banu Qaynuqa`, Banu an-Nadir and Banu Quraydha, were settled in Madinah. The number of adults belonging to these tribes was over two thousands; Banu Qaynuqa` was estimated to have seven hundred combatants, with Banu an-Nadir having almost the same number too, while the grown-ups of Banu Quraydha were reported to be between seven and nine hundred.
These tribes were not in good terms and very often they are caught in confrontations with one another. The Qur’an makes a reference to the mutual discord between the Jews: (And when We made with you a covenant (saying): Shed not the blood of your people nor turn (party of) your people out of your dwellings. Then ye ratified (Our covenant) and ye were witnesses (thereto). Yet it is you who slay each other and drive out party of your people from their homes, supporting one another against them by sin and transgression - and if they come to you as captives ye would ransom them, whereas their expulsion was itself unlawful for you.) (Al-Baqarah 2: 84-85)
The financial relationship of the Madinan Jews with the other tribes was mainly limited to lending money on interest or on security or sequestration of personal property upon payment failure. In an agricultural region like Madinah, there was ample scope for money-lending business since the farmers very often needed capital for purposes of cultivation. (Dr. Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi, Banu Israel Fil-Qur’an was-Sunnah, pp. 80-81)
The system of lending money was not limited merely to pledging personal property as security for repayment of the loan, for the lenders very often forced the borrowers to pledge even their women and children.
Concentration of capital in the hands of the Jews had given them power to exercise economic pressure on the social economy of the city. The stock markets were at their mercy. They rigged the market through hoarding, thereby creating artificial shortages and causing rise and fall in prices. Most of the people in Madinah detested the Jews owing to such malpractices of usury and profiteering, which were against the substance of the common Arabs. (Banu Israel Fil-Qur’an was-Sunnah, p. 79)
The Jews being driven by nothing but their haughty cupidity and selfishness in their social transactions with the Arab tribes, Aus and Khazraj, spent lavishly, though judiciously, in creating a rift between the two tribes. On a number of occasions in the past, they had successfully pitted one tribe against the other, leaving both tribes worn out and economically ruined in the end. The only objective Jews had set before themselves was how to maintain their economic dominion over Madinah.
For many centuries, the Jews had been waiting for a redeemer. This belief of the Jews in the coming prophet, about which they used to talk with the Arabs, had prepared the Aus and the Khazraj to give their faith readily to the Prophet. (Banu Israel Fil-Qur’an was-Sunnah, pp. 73-101)
Source: http://www.prophetmuhammed.org/docs/biograf_d39.html
Within all these communal differences, it was necessary to place this growing Muslim community so as to give Muslims a good chance for better interaction and sufficient training that will help them in their coming days. Madinah had many unique features that made her the due recipient of that honor. It was very important for Muslims to receive training and establish their state amongst all these communities and different levels of thinking.
Dealing with Jews taught Muslims how to argue with the People of the Book in good words and how to know the wicked and cunning conspiracies being made for them behind their backs. It was very important for the growing Muslim communities to be trained on the way of fighting those enemies who take refuge in their fortifications, a thing, which was practiced by Jews.
It was also necessary for the Islamic Da`wah, at this very early age, to face hypocrites who apparently declare that they believe in Islam but, in the meantime, help its enemies. All these are no more than some aspects of the Divine wisdom behind choosing Madinah to be the place where the first Muslim state is established.
And Allah knows best.
Courtesy: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503545112&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaEAskTheScholar
Hijrah Dialogue (Women's Role)
| Session Details | |
| Guest Name | The Famous Da`iyah Zienab Mostafa |
| Subject | Hijrah: Reshaping Women's Role in Society? |
| Date | Wednesday,Feb 9 ,2005 |
| Time | Makkah From... 04:00...To... 15:00 GMT From... 01:00...To...12:00 |
| Name | Host - |
| Profession | |
| Question | . |
| Answer | Dear visitors, The session has just started. Please feel free to join us with your questions. After the session has ended, you can view the whole dialogue by clicking Recent Sessions, or later on Archive . For feedback and suggestions, please e-mail us at EngLivedialogue@islamonline.net. Yours, Islamonline Live Dialogue Editing Desk. |
| Name | Hajar - United Kingdom |
| Profession | |
| Question | As you know, this is Hijrah time, and many of us women may take the superficial aspect of this great event and inadvertently ignore the basic shift that we women should initiate in light of the great event of Hijrah. Do you think it is high time to reshape our role as mothers, daughters, wives in our respective communities? In what way can this role be linked to the important event of Hijrah? |
| Answer | In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. The Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah brings to our minds the great role of Muslim women since the dawn ofda`wah. Women shared men equally in supportingda`wah and defending Islam without thinking of any inferiority to men. We can notice that from Hijrah core roots that women played an effective role before, during as well as after Hijrah. We need to understand that role and apply that meaning in our daily life. There is a number of lessons I would like emphasize here: 1. We need to highlight the feeling that every human being, whether a man or a woman, is responsible in front of Allah for defending Islam and supportingda`wah. 2. We need in our educational curriculum and tarbiyahprograms to explain the great meanings and values of Islam and concentrate on training children and teenagers to practice those meanings in an Islamic environment. 3. Parents, teachers, and those in charge up to the new generations need to pay a great attention of themselves to be good examples for children and youth. 4. We need to train ourselves how to improve our life and support Islam through the great values of Hijrah, such as: a. Reliance on Allah, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) knew that Allah promised to protect him but in the same time he asked Allah and prayed before starting Hijrah. b. He then made a perfect plan to migrate from Makkah to Madinah without leaving any way for the enemies to affect hisda`wahnegatively. That gives us an indication how planning for our life and future is so important. c. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gave the youth, men and women an important role to play in Hijrah like `Ali, Abdullah Ibn Abi Bakr and Asma' bint Abi Bakr and we know from that the importance of training our youth to shoulder the responsibility of da`wah. Hijrah is a great opportunity to polish our hearts and minds and to re-think our strategies to support Islam and overcome our problems and agonies. |
| Name | Samah - Egypt |
| Profession | |
| Question | Dear sister in Islam, I am a wife of a religious man who calls for Allah in different contexts and aspects. What should I do to backing him up and pushing him forward regarding this blessed burden? |
| Answer | Dear sister, Jazakum Allahu Khairan for caring about your husband and your noble aim towardsda`wah. I think you have lots of means and tools to support your husband and to push him to the most active way of makingda`wah. Please make use of the following helpful tips: 1. Let your husband feel that he has the ability to makeda`wah. 2. Let him feel that you trust and respect him as well as his mission. 3. I think you have to think about someda`wahactivities that you both can do together. 4. It is very important to bear in mind that da`wahis not the responsibility of men, but it is the responsibility of every Muslim, man or woman. When you share your husband, you will be therefore encouraging him to do his best. 5. Don't forget du'aa’and pray to Allah to strengthen your iman. 6. I advise you to read with your husband the ethics and etiquettes ofda`wah, with special reflection on the seerahof the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) so you can access many techniques of da`wahused by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in his life. 7. Finally, you should consider thatda`wah is not only by giving lectures; it is a broad concept that encompasses many aspects. It is a way to touch people's hearts and direct their attention to accept Islam as a way of life and to taste its sweetness. That could be with a smile, or a gift, or a visit, you can discover the ability which Allah grants you and use it in the service of deen. May Allah reward you and guide you to the right path. |
| Name | Heba - |
| Profession | |
| Question | Would you please shed some light on the role played by Asmaa’ (may Allah be pleased with her) in Hijrah? |
| Answer | Asmaa’, the daughter of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her) is a great example for Muslim women in every aspect. Her role in Hijrah was quite outstanding. She was a young girl in her teenage. She was married and pregnant. However, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) trusted her ability to support them by supplying food during their stay in the cave. There were a very few men whom the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) trusted and told them of his secret plan and Asmaa' was one of the women who knew that. The cave is on the top of mount Thawr and it is still a very stony and difficult to climb. Asmaa' used to prepare the food and water in a bucket of leather and once she forget to tie the bucket and she tore her scarf into two parts to tie the bucket and used the other part as a scarf. I would like to comment on this solution that Asmaa' found in this critical situation. She used her mind and thought deeply to solve the problem. She used what was available to her. That kind of mentality of challenging problematic situations to benefit from what is already in hand and invent an exit to overcome the problem, is one of the great lessons which we need to apply in our life as a Muslims. Men and women need to have the sense of responsibility, the sense of challenging the bad conditions around them everywhere and to find solutions from within themselves. Asmaa', as I mentioned, was a wife and she was pregnant and she was looking after her sisters and brothers after her father had left. The second brave stance when she encountered Abu Jahl and Abu Sufyan when they came to ask about her father and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). She did not answer them directly and she was brave enough to face them even when Abu Jahl smashed her face violently until her earring was broken and she started bleeding. The lesson we learn from that situation is to be brave and patient and the ability to behave wisely according to every circumstances. Asmaa' was so kind with her grandfather, Abu Quhafa, when he came to ask about her father and was worried about their financial situation. She told him that they had enough money, She took him by the hand and put his hand on some stones and she told him that her father had left that amount. Her grandfather was satisfied and felt they were in a good condition, while Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) took all what he had to support Hijrah and left his children for Allah's care and mercy. Asmaa' was strong enough to struggle to feed her sisters and brothers and take care of them, calm her grandfather. She is the brightest example for a woman with noble characteristics: patient, brave, kind, smart, and wise, and above all a true believer committed to Islam. Her role in Hijrah was the beginning of a very long life full with remarkable achievements. |
| Name | Safiah - |
| Profession | |
| Question | I know that women play great roles in the event of the Prophet's Hijrah. What are the duties of Muslim women today to help in makingda`wah in the light of what happened in the event of Hijrah? |
| Answer | Women can play an effective role in da`wah. Everyone has certain talents and potentials that should be utilized. I advise you to discover yourself to know which talent you have and use them effectively to achieve your goals. If you are a teacher or an engineer or a lawyer or even without any qualifications, you can still help theda`wah in some way. Try to read a lot in the life history of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The most important thing you need while being in a group or within a larger community is to have a good relationship with people around you and to start creating useful activities among them while organizing your aims. Moreover, you need to invite people to practice Islam and to apply the Islamic teachings in their daily lives. Try to seek Islamic occasions to organize some activities to educate people on the meanings and lessons of such blessed events. This can be through a discussion, lecture, Islamic video etc… May Allah guide you to the right path. |
| Name | Selma - United Kingdom |
| Profession | |
| Question | In the West there are hot debates regarding the status of woman in Islam. Could you please shed light on women’s role in the Prophet’s Hijrah? |
| Answer | From the dawn ofda`wah, Islam came with the perfect teachings for men and women and gave each of them rights and obligations. It is a great honor for every Muslim woman to know that the first person to accept Islam was a woman, Khadijah, and the first martyr was Sumayyah (may Allah be pleased with them all). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to say:"Women are the counterparts of men." If we go through the life history of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), we will find that women shared the great events such as treaties, battles, pledges of allegiance, and even in taking decisions. Women never failed to carry the responsibility of da`wah. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) migrated from Makkah to Madinah and he gave Asmaa', daughter of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her) this great role in Hijrah. On his way to Madinah, he passed by a woman who used to host the travelers in the desert. Her name was Umm Ma'bad. He invited her to Islam and she accepted it. She narrated some hadiths after that. The woman herself invited her husband and son to Islam. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reached Madinah, lots of girls and women were waiting for him to appreciate his Hijrah. Away from the Hijrah, women participated and played a very important role when the Ansar signed the second treaty of Al-'Aqabah. There were two women attending the treaty and swore the oath of allegiance. They were Nusaybah Bint Ka'ab and Asmaa' bint `Amr. During Al-Hudaybiya Treaty, when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) agreed on the conditions stipulated by Quriash that seemed unfair to Muslims who refused to obey the Prophet's order to slaughter the sheep and have their haircuts as if they were performing `Umrah, Umm Salamah asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to have her haircut and slaughter her sheep and the Sahabah would follow her, and they did as she expected. All these events give us a clear vision that Muslim women played great roles that should be taken as models by today’s Muslim women. |
| Name | Nahid - |
| Profession | |
| Question | Muslim women, on the strength of their unshakable personal faith, used to work for the propagation of Islam. Many of them helped to promote the cause of Islam within their respective family circles, through discussion and debate. Do you expect Muslim women to do this today? |
| Answer | Jazakum Allahu Khairan for caring about Muslim women nowadays. As you said, our foremost mothers andsahabiyat or female companions shared effectively inda'wahactivities and were equal to men, and in some cases, were better and more effective than men inda'wah. That was a result of a great preparation and a goodtarbiyah. We need to know that in the very early stage ofda'wah, even before the five daily prayers were prescribed, there was the school of Dar Al-Arqam when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) instilled the teachings of Islam in the hearts of Muslim men and women. And through the period of Prophethood women have practically participated in each and every great Islamic event. Women were prepared theoretically and practically, and the result was such great example of women. Nowadays, if women have the chance to be prepared theoretically and practically, understand and practice Islam, are equipped with high educational standards and shared effectively in every field of life and concentrate on the aim of shaping the real Islamic personality, I think it will be quite near to the earliestsahabiyat. Regarding this role of preparing good examples of contemporary female Muslims, the Islamic movement is concentrating on that and there are many great examples such as Ustdha Zeinab Al-Ghazali and many other good examples in different fields. But we need the majority of Ummah, men and women, to have this awareness to regain their Islamic personalities and live with their Islamic values and get rid of the influence of material and western life. |
| Name | Niam - Australia |
| Profession | |
| Question | I want my 2 daughters -three and five years old- to learn more about the Islamic history and the meaning behind the Hijrah. How can I explain that for my daughters so they can grow up close to Islam? |
| Answer | Dear daughter, May Allah bless you and your daughters! Jazakum Allahu Khairan for caring about establishing a good imanin your children's hearts. As I know, your daughters are very young. At this tender age the children like stories, art, and fun activities. So you need to understand the requirements of their age and what your daughters especially like. I advise you to read the seerahof the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and life of his Companions so you can have a good knowledge and stories to tell your children. It is a good idea to have a clear aim. Let us say that your aim is to make your children love the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Then you start to tell them stories about the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)'s love for children and to tell them about the children of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and about his childhood. Then you start with the part you see as important and suitable for them. You should always touch their hearts with things they love such as the animals in the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)'s life, tell them about the elephant who came to destroy the Ka`bah and in that year the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was born. You may draw with them the Ka`bah, birds, stones, etc. As for the Hijrah, there are two examples: `Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) who was a young boy who spent the night in the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)'s bed. He was responsible also for giving back trusts and deposits to disbelievers. It is a good opportunity to talk about honesty and courage. The second example was Usamah Ibn Zayd who was also a brave boy who stayed with the wife of the Prophet Sawdah, and he stayed also with the Prophet’s daughters Fatimah and Umm Kulthum and accompanied them in their journey to Madinah and followed the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) after few days. You can talk to them about bravery and the love of the Prophet. You can also draw the mount of Thawr and avoid drawing the Prophet and his companion. |
| Name | Hawa - |
| Profession | |
| Question | Do you have any practical tips of how we, as mothers, can instill the love of Allah and the Prophet in our little kids? |
| Answer | The first step in your duty as a mother is shaping your children's heart and instilling the love of Allah and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in them. This meaning can only reach children's hearts with visible, tangible means. You can arrange for a picnic with your children and let them enjoy flowers, trees, rivers, animals and start to talk to them about how kind and generous Allah is to give us such beautiful things. Always talk about Allah favors and bounties in a very positive way. Talk to them about Jannah, tell them about Jannah, its trees, its birds, its fruits, etc. and that it is the place of every obedient Muslim. Avoid any threat with Allah's punishment of hellfire. Let children have the habit of thanking Allah for every favor, verbally and practically such as giving charity or helping someone. The same when you want to instill the love for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in their hearts. Talk to them about his infancy, his love for children. It is a very good idea to know about the features and external outlook of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and how handsome he was. When your children love him and his character, then start to teach them his Sunnah especially in hygiene: washing hands, using right hand, going to the bathroom, fixing bedrooms, etc. tell them about the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)'s family to let the children become familiar with the meaning ofseerah and after that they will be more receptive to understand more and more about the Islamic teachings. |
| Name | Hosam - |
| Profession | |
| Question | With the event of Hijrah approaching, is there any useful tips, books etc. to introduce this important event to our little kids? |
| Answer | There are huge collections of books, some of them written for parents to train them in parenting and others written for children to enable them to love the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and to know what Islam is. You need both kinds of books. You need to choose to your children what is suitable for their age. Young children usually love to have coloring books and attractive pictures. There are other ways such as games, especially computer games which explain the story of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his life history. Such games are very beneficial to children. You can choose ‘Rihlah Games’, that are produced by Sakhr Company. It is better to let children invent some ways to express the event: making a card for a friend or mother, making a model of the cave and Ka'abah, etc… |
| Name | Hind - |
| Profession | |
| Question | I think Hijrah sheds light on the potentials possessed by Muslim woman and the significant role she can play. I wonder why some Muslims insist on limiting women's activity and role in the service of Islam while we find the events ofseerah, the Hijrah for example, full of women contribution and sacrifice. |
| Answer | It is a painful fact that some Muslims did not read and understand the fundamental teachings of Islam, which are very clear to give us a fact and real participation of women in every event of da'wah. However, that painful situation should be challenged with a strong will to spread an Islamic awareness among Muslim women. We should bear in mind that such awareness means that more education and deepiman should be enriched in our hearts and to have a well-planned goal and a practical step to build an active Islamic personality for women today. |
Courtesy:http://www.islamonline.net/livedialogue/english/Browse.asp?hGuestID=UC7NK9
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