Hijra – a turning point in Muslim history

Tomorrow the new Islamic year of 1437 begins. This year records the number of years that have passed since the Prophet Muhammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, emigrated from the city of Makkah, with some of his companions and their families, and where they were persecuted for their belief in One God, the Almighty and Creator of all, a belief contrary to that of polytheists, who associate many deities with One God, to the city of Madina

The Prophet Mohammad was born in Makkah to the noblest of the Quraishite clan of Hashim, themselves descended from the Prophet Ishmael (Ismail) the eldest son of Ibrahim.

From childhood he was well known amongst them for his good character, integrity and modesty. He had a reflective personality and possessed an association with godly virtues.

He preached to the people of Makkah, urging them to submit to Allah, and to return to the worship of One God and to the roots of their Abrahamic tradition, who was their forefather and who built the Ka`bah to enable people to fulfil their duty of pilgrimage to Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, received his first revelation when he was 40 years old and preached for 13 years in Makkah.  The persecution and the suffering inflicted upon him and his followers resulted in them being banished from Makkah. Some of his companions emigrated to Abyssinia and received the protection of its Christian king Negus, while the rest sought relief in the city of Madina, where some in its population had become Muslims.

This migration stands as a milestone in the development of the Muslim community and its framework of co-existential laws, and in the spreading of the Islamic message, resulting ultimately in the formation of the Islamic State.

It created hope for those people who believed in God and His words, showing them that God protects His servants who believe in Him and bestows upon them His mercy and favour.

It also taught Muslims the lesson that persecution should not be allowed to manipulate a person into the abandonment of his faith. Indeed, if persecution for simply having  a belief in the true Creator is present in any country, there can be no compromise and believers should emigrate from that land.

The possession and retention of true faith is our most precious attribute and must be protected no matter what the cost. Abandoning one’s faith, even in the most testing of times, can have no validity in the eyes of the beholder of that faith.  How then could it be of any value in the Sight of God who would like to test the beholder for his faith?

The end of the old year and the beginning of the new is surely an appropriate time to take stock and reflect on our past deeds, especially for those of us who care about our time and take seriously our accountability to Allah for all our actions.  Here I remember a good story by Fudhail bin Ayadh, who was a pious scholar and who asked a man saying: ‘How old are you? The man replied: 'Sixty years'. Fudhail said: 'So you have been walking towards your Lord for the last sixty years?'  You are nearly ready to arrive at your destiny!!!' The man then realised his age and said: 'Indeed we belong to Allah and indeed we are to return to Him’. Fudhail said: ‘Do you know its meaning (of what you said)? You are saying: ‘Indeed we belong to Allah and indeed we are to return to Him’.  The man then said: 'So what shall I do?' Fudhail answered saying: 'It is simple'. The man said: 'And what is that?' Fudhail said: 'Do good in the rest of your life and Allah will forgive you for your past. But, if you continue doing wrong in the rest of your life you will be held accountable for your past wrongdoings and for the rest of your life'.

So, if someone knew he was the servant of Allah and that he would return to Him, he should also know that he will appear in front of Him. And he should know that whoever appears in front of Him must account for his actions and whoever must account for his actions must prepare his answers to His questions.

This story presents a very real scenario that helps us to understand the purpose of our lives and to change them for the better before it is too late. We need to ask ourselves such questions when we reflect on our past deeds.

In Islam, in particular, everything is spiritually based to guide people to the right path, so that they connect with what must surely be their ultimate goal – their final testing by Allah. Although as Muslims we are bound to reflect on all our actions, we rarely do so. But reflection can change the course of our lives, and provide the starting point for a new path and goal.

The hijra New Year is a time when spiritual thought processes should take place and inspire people to unite in such thoughts. We can then measure our successes or failures and alter our deeds or thoughts accordingly.

However, sadly, not many Muslims even know what or which Hijra year they are in. They hardly know of its significance and life changing ability.  As the Quran says: how many signs are out there for people but they pass by them heedlessly.

Hijra is a sacrifice for Allah the One True God and represents a commitment to the right path despite all the troubles and hurdles that may exist or block the way. People with this commitment will always be the ones who march on and the others, that fall by the wayside, will never develop any strength in their faith and practices.