December 6 & 7, 2010/1432 A.H. (anno hegirae)marks the beginning of the first month in the Islamic (lunar) Calendar called Muharram, and the Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year. This day is significant for Muslims because it is the day that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) reached Yathrib in the year 622 C.E., after fleeing from his own people in Mecca who had set out to kill him, in fear that his message was becoming a serious threat to the interests of the Meccan oligarchy.
Throughout the Prophet’s arduous, 10-day journey, known as al-hijra (emigration, exile), with his closest companion, Abu Bakr, who was destined to be the next caliph after Prophet Muhammad’s death, Allah had protected them from pursuers in miraculous ways, such as the story very familiar to all Muslims of the spider web that blocked the entrance of the cave where the two sought refuge for the night, making it appear as if no one had entered.
When Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Abu Bakr finally reached the town of Yathrib, just north of Mecca, the locals, who had been expecting the Prophet’s arrival, welcomed him with open arms. The governor of Yathrib had heard of Prophet Muhammad’s great insight, and wished for him to deliver peace to his town by becoming their new ruler who would solve the internal conflicts that had been occurring.
From this point on, Yathrib was called Madinat al-Nabi, “the city of the Prophet,” or al-Madinah, “the city.” Prophet Muhammad’s emigration to Medina was a turning point in the history of Islam, a time when people from all walks of life began to surrender to the Prophet’s message of monotheism and oneness (tawhid), and submission (al-islam).
Thus, to this day, Muslims all over the world celebrate the New Hijri Year in prayer and supplication, by remembering the hardships lived by the Prophet of Islam in his efforts to peacefully spread the truth to his people. At this time, Muslims should try to improve their character and strengthen their faith (iman), by emulating Rasulallah (Allah’s messenger) as best as they can.
In the Qur’an, we learn about al-hijra in regards to the Prophet’s physical emigration to Medina, but due to the wealth of the Arabic language, this term that Allah chose also alludes to the spiritual journey of the believer (mumin), in which one turns away from that which is evil, towards Allah.
But Lut had faith in him [Abraham]: He said: “I will leave home for the sake of my Lord: for He is Exalted in Might and Wise.” (29:26)
The team at Lastprophet.info wishes all Muslims a joyous new year. May Allah increase you in wisdom, strength and iman.
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatahu!
“May the peace and mercy of Allah be with you!”
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