Hijra (migration to Madina) After the two pledges, the people of Yathrib returned home leaving the Prophet (saw) to arrange for the journey to their city. The Prophet (saw) directed his followers to seek immediate safety at Yathrib, which they accordingly did. About one hundred families silently moved from Makka and proceeded to Yathrib, where they were received with enthusiasm and much hospitality. Finally, most of the companions had migrated to Yathrib. The Prophet (saw) alone remained at Makka, keeping with him his cousin, Ali (ra), and his devoted friend Abu Bakr (ra). Fearing the consequence of this new alliance, the Quraish began to think seriously of preventing Muhammad (saw) from escaping to Yathrib, after several attempts to stop him from preaching had failed. To stop him from migrating, they planned to kill him. In 622 CE, 14 th year of prophethood, they agreed to choose a strong, young man from each Quraish tribe, and give each one of them a sharp sword. Then they would all strike Muhammad (saw) at the same time with their swords and kill him. Hence, his blood would be shed by all tribes. This way, his tribe, Banu Hashim, could not wage war against all of the Quraish tribes. This way, they would have brought comfort to themselves and stopped him from bothering them. Angel Jibril came to the Prophet (saw), commanded him not to sleep in his bed that night and conveyed to him the news of their plot. The Messenger (saw) did not sleep in his house that night, and Allah gave him permission to migrate. The Prophet (saw) instructed his cousin, Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) to return the properties entrusted to him by several non-believers, and also directed him to lie in his bed and wrap himself up in his green clock. As the night advanced, the assassins posted themselves round the Prophet (saw) s dwelling. They watched all night long, waiting to murder him when he should leave his house at the early dawn. The Prophet (saw) while reciting some verses, miraculously escaped and met with Abu Bakr (ra) who was waiting for him ready to depart. Looking through the opening of the door and seeing Ali (ra), whom they mistook for the Prophet (saw), they continued guarding there until morning, only to find themselves deceived. The fury of the Quraish was now unbounded. They knew that their plan was totally unsuccessful and in vein. The Prophet (saw) with his friend Abu Bakr (ra) left the night he was to be assassinated. They went south of Makkah to a cave situated at mount of Thawr. Allah says, If you do not aid the Prophet - Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, "Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us... (Qur an 9:40). After staying in the cave for three nights they travelled North to Yathrib about two hundred and fifty miles from Makkah. They continued their journey towards Madina. Upon discovery of his escape, the leaders of Quraish put up a reward of one hundred camels on his head, dead or alive. Suraqa bin Malik pursued them on his horse and wished to hand over the Prophet (saw) to Quraish to win one hundred camels. As he reached near them, his horse fell down and the feet of his horse were some what buried in the sand. He made four attempts with same result. Suraqa realized that he was trying to capture an extra-ordinary person. He walked up to the Prophet (saw) and disclosed his ill intentions. He further requested the Prophet (saw) to forgive him and his tribe. The Prophet (saw) most generously forgave him and granted his request of not to revenge. After a long and tiring Journey, Muhammad (saw) and his close companion Abu Bakr (ra) had safely arrived in Quba. This event is known as the Hijra and it marks the neginning of the Islamic calendar (Hijri Calendar). On the other side of the desert, the people of Yathrib had long waited for the Prophet (saw) to arrive, and each day they would go beyond the fields and palm groves to wait for him. When the Prophet (saw) arrived in Quba there were many scenes of joy and celebration. The people welcomed him with open arms. The air was filled with shouts of Takbir (Allah is great) and the singing of the children. In spite of all their best scouts and search parties, Allah protected the Prophet (saw) and they arrived safely in Madina. The First Mosque (Quba) Residents of Madina and tribes around it used to wait for the Prophet (saw) sitting in groups outside their homes. They used to return to their homes during noon since the sun was unbearable. One day one Jew happened to go up a hillock during the noon to look for some thing. He saw the Prophet (saw) and his companions dressed in white approaching Quba. He announced this loudly to Arabs. The Muslims of Quba rushed out
decorated with their arms to greet the Prophet (saw). The Prophet (saw) sat down and Abu Bakr (ra) was shaking hand with them one by one. After a few days, he built a mosque in Quba as mentioned in Qur an. The Prophet (saw) and all the companions took part in the construction of this Mosque. Back in Makkah, Ali (ra) stayed on for three days. During this period, he settled all the Prophet (saw) s affairs in Makkah. He then left on foot and met up with the Prophet (saw) in Quba. Thereafter, those Muslims (one-byone) of Makkah who were not physically restrained, and who could make a secret exit, left for Madina leaving behind their properties and homes. Arrival in Yathrib (Madina) After a short stay, on Friday he (saw) preceded towards Madina. The Prophet (saw) s camel sat down near the house of Abu Ayub Ansari (ra) in Madina and he stayed there till Masjid Nabawi and a hut for him were completed. The first project the Prophet (saw) took, after his arrival at Yathrib, was to build a mosque as a physical centre not only for Muslims to openly perform worship but also, more significantly, as a rallying point for Muslim communion on socio-political matters. All companions and the Prophet (saw) himself took part in the construction of the Mosque. The Prophet (saw) personally carried stones for the construction work. The mosque-building task represented the first community project in which the Ansar and the Muhajirun joined hands and achieved a sense of mutual purpose. Beginning of Muslim Ummah Upon reaching Yathrib, the Prophet (saw) was deeply aware of the destitution and hardship experienced by the Makkan refugees, who had fled from intolerable conditions to find themselves in alien territory, bereft of income, land and personal belongings. To compound matters, the Makkans were not skilled in agricultural activity and were vulnerable to diseases such as malaria which was widely prevalent in Yathrib. Furthermore, given the spread of Islam in Yathrib, the Arab community was further divided into both Muslim and pagan groups, with rather tenuous relationships being formed among the new Muslim communities who were clouded still by tribal enmity. In response, the Prophet (saw) declared that the host community of Muslim Arabs would be known as the Al-Ansar (Helpers), while the Makkan immigrants would be known as the Al- Muhajirun (Migrants). The creation of the new generation was instrumental, both in forging a deep consciousness of Muslim identity, and in enabling the Muslim refugees to assimilate their new surroundings. The Fraternisation (Mu akhat) The Prophet (saw) established a golden rule for the treatment of Muhajirun. He decreed the principle of fraternization between the Ansar, (the helpers or inhabitants of Madina) and the Muhajirun, (emigrants). According to this pact, each Ansar should take care of one Muhajir. This care included food, clothing, shelter and any other assistance needed until the Muhajir could look after himself. The Quran makes specific reference to the exemplary standard of treatment provided to the Muhajirun by the Ansar. Allah says, They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their hearts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in need... (Qur an 59:9) The significance of Hijrah (Migration) a) It acted as a transition between the two major periods; the Makkan and the Madinan periods. b) Through hijra, Muslims turned from the position of weakness and humiliation to the position of strength dignity. c) After migration, Muslims were allowed to defend themselves against any attack from the enemies. d) Hijra constituted the transition from a regionalised preaching of Islam to the universal preaching. e) It changed the society into an Islamic Ummah where discrimination on the bases of colour, creed, rich or poor disappeared. All Muslim were equal. f) Islam moved from being regarded as only an act of worship to a bigger picture as complete way of life. (Political, social, etc.) g) The Hijrah reshaped the social and political stand of the Arabs as many were adapting the new faith and system of life. h) Hijrah rekindled the light of hope in the hearts of the early Muslims who had been molested by the pagans Quraish.
i) Sincere migration is rewarded hence it leads to the highest rank before Allah. [Quran 9:20] j) The Prophet arrived in Quba on 16 th July 632 A.D. in the month of Muharram. This marked the beginning of Hijra calendar. k) The foundation of an Islamic state was laid down first in Madina making it a centre of civilization in the Arabian Peninsula. l) The historic agreements made with Jews and other tribes served as guideline for all the coming generations. m) Among all the companions, the Prophet (saw) honoured Abubakar (ra) and chose to migrate in his company. The Madina Constitution (Charter) The other important event after the Hijra was the establishment of the Islamic State and Government. Having created a new social order for the Muslims, the Prophet (saw) sought to reach a broader consensus between the Muslims, pagan Arabs and the Jewish tribes for the establishment of a political structure to resolve the long-standing issues of inter-tribal conflict. To insure peace and tranquility, the Prophet (saw) proposed a treaty defining terms of conduct for all inhabitants of Madina. It was ratified by all Muslims, non-muslim Arabs and Jews. The result was the formation of a representative body of the ethnic and religious demographic of Yathrib, which agreed jointly to be governed by a written constitution, referred to as the Constitution of Madina. It is said to be the first written Constitution in the world. Terms of the Constitution a) Everyone shall be against a person who is rebellious, or seeks to spread injustice or enmity among the believers. b) The Muhajirun will unite and continue to pay blood money among themselves, and ransom their prisoners. c) A believer shall not kill a believer in retaliation of an unbeliever, nor shall he help an unbeliever against a believer. d) Whosoever among the Jews that follows Muslims shall have help, security and equality; they shall not be injured. e) No separate peace will be made when the believers are fighting in the way of Allah. f) He who kills a believer wrongfully shall be liable to retaliation; all the believers shall be against him and they shall take action against him. g) The Jews shall contribute (to the cost of war) with the believers so long as they are at war with a common enemy. h) The Jews shall maintain their own religion and the Muslims theirs. i) The friends of Jews are as themselves. They shall be treated equally. j) None of them shall go out on a military expedition except with the permission of Muhammad (saw). k) The Jews shall be responsible for their expenses and the believers for theirs. Each, if attacked, shall come to the aid and assistance of the other. l) Yathrib shall be sacred and inviolable for all that join this treaty. m) No stranger shall be protected except with consent of his tribe. n) Whatever difference or dispute between the parties to this covenant remains unsolved shall be referred to Allah and His Messenger (saw). o) Both parties are bound to help one another against any attack. p) This treaty shall not protect the unjust or the criminal people. q) Whoever goes out to fight as well as whoever stays at home shall be safe and secure unless he has perpetrated an injustice. Importance of Madina Constitution 1. It provided the Madinan society with the concept of devolution of powers which later became the practical foundation of democracy. 2. It provided a moderate and balanced aptitude for all communities living in that society. 3. It gave birth to the idea of a geographical nation which would include all faiths and cultures in one single nation. 4. The concept of the rule of law also emerged from this constitution for the first time. 5. It provided the concept of respecting local customary laws of all tribes and religions living together. 6. It guaranteed the protection of human rights; social, cultural, spiritual and the rights of minorities living in the state. 7. It declared Madina a State of peace and security, free from every kind of violence and terrorism. 8. The Prophet (saw) subsequently established the first Islamic state.
9. It symbolises the true leadership of the Prophet (saw). 10. It is a remarkable political-constitutional document and the first written constitution of democracy in human history. All later constitutions were founded upon the Madina constitution whose principles are based on the Qur an and the Sunnah. Challenges Muslims faced in Madina There were many challenges facing the Muslim community when it settled in Madina after the Hijrah such as economic, political, religious and social. 1. They had the challenge of how to trade fairly in market places as there was excessive use of interest, hoarding, etc. 2. The Prophet (saw) was also required to bring peace and unite different tribes, especially the Khaus and Khazraj. 3. The Prophet (saw) had a duty to spread the words of Islam and convince them to accept Islam as a way of life. 4. He was required to establish love and brotherhood between people in order to stop fights and arguments. 5. The environment of madina city was harsh to most Muhajirun as they were not used to it. 6. There was outbreak of sicknesses such as cholera and malaria that affected the Muhajirun. 7. They were scarcity of water in Madina which made Muslims suffer dehydration. 8. He had to deal with some Hypocrites led by Abdullah bin Sab i were jealous of the Prophet s advancement in Madina. 9. Some Jews conspired with the Quraish against the Prophet. 10. The Quraish spread false accusations against Muhammad and the Muslims to spoil their image before the people of Madina 11. They had to defend themselves against external attacks organised by the makkans. The challenges faced by the Prophet lead to success of Islam as there were many people who started to respect Prophet and were polite to him. Majority of the people who lived in Madinah became Muslims and the love between them increased. The Battles of Islam Does Islam recommend or justify killing of disbelievers? The answer is an emphatic No. There is no compulsion in religion *Qur an 2:256+. A Muslim s duty is simply to invite people to Allah s religion with kind enlightenment. The only time Muslims can engage non-muslims in a battle is to fight back against those who attack them. This is why the prophet (saw) did not engage the pagans in fight while in Makkah because the main purpose of war is to serve as a defence and protection from enemies. Allah says, Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors. *Qur an 2:190]. The Battle of Badr This was the first battle that the believers ever engaged in with the disbelievers. It is by far, the most famous of all the Battles because of several extraordinary events that occurred during that time. This battle took place on the 17 th of Ramadhan in the second year of Hijri, Tuesday, 13 March 624 CE, near the well of Badr (that is why it was named after it) which is between Makkah and Madina. The Background The Messenger of Allah (saw) was informed that a caravan belonging to the Quraish, led by Abu Sufyaan Ibn Harb, was on its way back from Syria to Makkah. Thereupon, the Prophet decided to capture this caravan to compensate the Muslims for their property which the Quraish tribe had confiscated in Makkah, which was used as capital for their businesses. The Prophet (saw) could not let the Quraish tribe do business transactions safely, gain lots of profit, and at the same time plot against the Muslims. Why the Attack It was necessary to pose a threat to the Quraish business, as trade was its main source of income and power. It was hoped that by feeling this threat, the Quraish might reconsider its position, behaviour and enmity towards the Muslims.
firmness. Then the Muslims started a counter-attack and the Prophet (saw) entered the battlefield. The leaked information When Abu Sufyan was informed that the Prophet (saw) intended to capture the caravan, he sent a message to the Quraishites in Makkah asking for help. As soon as he heard the news, Abu Jahl called upon all Makkans to join in the rescue operation. The Quraish left in large numbers since many of them had a share in this trade. Meanwhile, the caravan succeeded in escaping from the Muslims who, by now had reached the well of Badr. The Encounter Although the caravan was saved, Abu Jahl insisted on fighting the Muslims and refused to return to Makkah, despite the fact that many of the Makkah leaders did not want to fight. In response to the polytheists determination to fight, the Prophet (saw), after consulting his senior companions, had no other alternative but to go to war. In this battle, the Muslims were between 314-317 men. 83 Muslims were from the emigrants while the rest were from the Ansar. There were only two horses and seventy camel riders who rode them interchangeably. The reason why the number of Muslims was few is because the Prophet (saw) did not intend to fight. While on the other hand, the Quraish prepared 1,000 people, 600 armor, 100 horses and 700 camels, and with a full arsenal. The army included their prominent figures and heroes, boasting with great pride and show off under the leadership of Abu Jahl. The battle begun with skirmishes whereby Utbah Ibn Rabiah, his son Al Walid and his brother Shaibah, from the pagan army asked the Prophet (saw) to send to them their equals for a dual. The Prophet (saw) chose from his own family, Ali (ra), Hamza (ra) and Ubaidah bin Harith (ra) to go forward in combat to face the three warriors. Ali (ra) destroyed Al Walid and Al Hamza (ra) killed Utbah; then they both assisted Ubaidah (ra) against his opponent Shaibah, whom they also killed. Ubaidah (ra), who had suffered injuries, later died as the first martyr at this battle. Thereupon, the polytheists started their fierce attack against the Muslims who courageously defended and shielded themselves with faith and The Results After a fierce encounter and fighting, the Makkan army was torn to pieces. Seventy infidels were killed and seventy others were taken captive. Among those killed were 24 leaders of the Quraish including Abu Jahl, Shaibah bin Rabi a, Utbah bin Rabi a and his son, Al-Walid bin Utbah. The Muslims achieved a great victory and they obtained large amounts of spoils of war. Fourteen Muslims were martyred in this battle. Importance of the Battle of Badr i. This battle laid the foundation of the Islamic State in Madina ii. It made, out of the Muslims, a force to be recognised by the dwellers of the Arabian Peninsula. iii. Had the victory been for the pagan army then faith of Islam could have come to an end because it served as a litmus paper. iv. The battle of Badr was the most important because for the first time the followers of the new faith were put into a serious test. v. This victory was important in Islamic history because it gave the Muslims a boost in faith and morale. vi. It symbolized the influence of the Prophet (saw) as a great leader and commander-in-chief. Lessons from the Battle of Badr a) Victory is not measured by the number of fighters but by faith and determination. b) It signified the power of Dua. The Prophet (saw) said, O Allah, if you let this group of men die, no one after them will worship you on the earth. c) One should have true conviction in the help of Allah. d) One should have full reliance (Tawakkul) in Allah. e) The success of the Muslims is only by Allah s Will. f) The help of Allah is on he who strives hard to defend His religion. g) The Battle of Badr affirmed the fruits of being united. h) One should never give up in pursuit of success.