Hijra

The Hijra was the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and a group of his followers from Mecca to the city of Yathrib, which was later renamed Medina. This event occurred in the year 622 of the Common Era. The word "hijra" is Arabic in origin and means migration or departure—specifically, leaving one place to settle in another.

The Hijra is regarded as a watershed event marking two distinct periods: the Meccan period, when Muslims were a persecuted minority, and the Medinan period, during which they established a society with administration, agreements, and political power. For this reason, early Muslims took the Hijra as the starting point for counting years.

Antecedents

Muhammad began his preaching in Mecca. The Meccan tribes, particularly the Quraysh leadership, opposed his message because it threatened the polytheistic religion and the system of honor and commerce on which the city's economy depended. Early Muslims faced social and economic persecution; some migrated to Abyssinia to seek refuge. Later, delegations from Yathrib negotiated a pact with Muhammad to come to their city.

The Migration

Muslims left Mecca in stages. Muhammad made the journey accompanied by Abu Bakr, taking an unconventional route to avoid pursuit. According to reports, they hid in a cave in the mountains while pursuers searched for them. When they reached Yathrib, the city became the center of the new Muslim community and was renamed Madinat al-Nabi (the City of the Prophet), shortened to Medina.

What Emerged in Medina

Medina was established on an administrative pact that defined relations among the city's inhabitants: the emigrants from Mecca (Muhaajiriin), the Medinan residents who received them (Ansaar), and a Jewish tribe dwelling there. Mosques were built, systems of law and defense were organized, and political relations and conflicts with Mecca ensued. The brotherhood (walaaltinimo) instituted between the Muhaajiriin and Ansaar served as a mechanism to address the economic needs of those who had migrated.

The Hijri Calendar

The year of the Hijra forms the basis of the Islamic calendar, a lunar calendar of 12 months comprising approximately 354 days. The counting did not begin from the date of the event itself but was established during the reign of the early Caliphs, designating the year of the Hijra as year one. For this reason, the Islamic and Common Era calendars do not align exactly and diverge by approximately 11 days each year.