HIJRAH

Hijrah refers to the migration of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) from Makkah to Madinah in order to preserve their Imaan and their Deen. At that time, it was very essential. It was a demarcation line between the sincere and the insincere ones. Whoever refused to migrate without any valid reason, was not considered as a sincere Muslim.

"As for those who had Imaan but did not make Hijrah, you do not have any guardianship over them/you have no responsibility towards them due to family ties until they make Hijrah..." (S8:V72)

This migration was not easy. Whoever wanted to do it had to forsake his family, his property and everything else in Makkah and set out empty-handed in secrecy. Thus, it was very difficult. But everyone's goal is different. The main target and fundamental/predominant aim of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) was the Aakhirah. So, they agreed to bear everything to attain it, just like we agree to undergo everything in order to acquire this Dunya. 

Through this migration, they have established in a tangible and material way, that they loved Allah Ta'aala and His Rasul ‎(Sallallahou Alaihi Wasallam) the most. If there was something for which they could sacrifice every drop of blood of theirs, it was for Allah Ta'aala and His Rasul ‎(Sallallahou Alaihi Wasallam)‎. Hijrah was a visible indication of this state of mind that was instilled in their inner self. Those who made Hijrah were called the Muhajireen (singular of Muhajir) and this event brought a big turn in the history of Islam and was the beginning of the Islamic calendar. 

After the conquest of Makkah, Hijrah was no longer obligatory because Makkah too had come under the banner of Islam where people were free to practice their Deen‎ peacefully. Nevertheless, this principle should always be applied where one does not feel free to practice his Deen‎. So in accordance to the ability of the person, he will have to migrate to a place where he can get this freedom.

There is something more essential and extremely important that lies at the bottom of this migration. It is to move from Shaitaan's grip to submit completely to Allah Ta'aala. This is the spirit of Hijrah and this is the real Hijrah. In a Hadith, Nabi (Sallallahou Alaihi Wasallam)‎ said:

"... والمهاجر من هجر ما نهى الله عنه"

"The (true) Muhaajir is the one who abstains from all that which Allah has forbidden."

It is a way to rise as a Muhaajir on the day of Qiyaamah, without having to move from Makkah to Madinah, under painful and difficult conditions.

The month of Muharram should remind us of this message of submission and it is an opportunity for every Muslim to renew his commitment to his Creator to live in accordance to His obedience and submission.

[English version of "Hijrah" – Al Jamiat – Vol.7 No.8]