Muslim Migration to Madinah - Reasons and Importance

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In 622 AD, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers migrated from Makkah to Madinah to save themselves from the atrocities of the Quraysh of Makkah. This migration (Hijra) later resulted in the formation of the First Islamic City State in Madinah, which paved the way for the Conquest of Makkah and gaining strength of Islam in the whole of the Arabian Peninsular during the life of Muhammad (PBUH).

Background of Migration

The revelation of the Holy Qur’an started in 610 AD, and Muhammad (PBUH) publically declared his prophethood in 613 AD. The majority of the idol-worshipping people of Makkah, the Quraysh tribe, totally refused the oneness of God, the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH), and his teachings and did anything possible to eliminate this new religion before it could develop its roots. Both rich and poor Muslims faced the cruelty and atrocities of Quraysh, while converted slaves suffered severe punishments from their masters. 
  • In 613 and 615 AD, several Muslims migrated to Abyssinia in two phases and lived peacefully in that African kingdom. It was a good experience for Muslims about migration.
  • In 620 AD, several prominent people of the Arab pagan tribes of Aws and Khazraj embraced Islam and started preaching this religion in Yathrib (Madinah). The arrival of Muslims in Madinah was also politically significant as it would strengthen the Arab tribes against the Jewish tribes.
  • During the same period, an uncle of Muhammad (PBUH) and chief of Banu Hashim Abu Talib also died. It made the Makkans brave enough to consider the assassination of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). 

Migration to Madinah

In 622 AD, most of the people belonging to the Arab tribes of Madinah (Aws & Khazraj) had accepted Islam, and they invited Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers to migrate towards their city to live peacefully, while the conditions in Makkah for Muslims were getting worse. 

After getting knowledge of this plan, Quraysh prepared a group of people from every clan of the Quraysh tribe to kill Muhammad (PBUH) so that Banu Hashim could not take revenge. In this situation, Muhammad (PBUH) allowed his companions to migrate to Madinah (then Yathrib), and they did so secretly, one by one. Umar (RA) was the only person who migrated publically, and no one dared to stop him.

March Towards Madinah

On the night of 17th June 622 AD (26 Safar 1AH), Quraysh invaded the house of Muhammad (PBUH) according to their plan. However, Muhammad (PBUH) had already left with his friend Abu Bakr (RA). Quraysh could only find Ali (RA) at the bed of Muhammad (PBUH), and they started searching for the Prophet (PBUH). 

Muhammad (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) stayed for three days in Jabal Thawr (cave of Thawr) south of Makkah. Quraysh came close to that cave during their chase but could not find them. Later, the two companions left Makkah and traveled towards Madinah, north of Makkah. On 12th Rabi-ul-Awal 1 AH (2nd July 622), Muhammad (PBUH) arrived at Quba, near Madinah, and built a mosque named Quba Mosque. It was the first mosque built by Muslims. 

After a month of travel, Muhammad (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) reached Madinah on 26th Rabi-ul-Awal (16th July 622), where they received a warm welcome from the people of the city. After the arrival of Muhammad (PBUH), Yathrib was named Madinat-un-Nabi (city of the prophet), now known as Madinah.


Later Developments

To reduce economic problems, Muhammad (PBUH) established a brotherhood between the immigrants (Muhajireen) and the settlers (Ansaar). Muhammad (PBUH) also signed a pact to develop peaceful relations between Muslims and Jews of Madinah. The Treaty of Madinah assisted in the formation of a peaceful society for all the people of Madinah. It is also known as the first treaty in Islam.

After migration to Madinah, Muhammad (PBUH) became the most influential personality in Madinah. He was made an arbitrator between the people of Madinah in their conflicts through the Treaty of Madinah. 

Due to relatively peaceful conditions, the Islamic society flourished in Madinah. People from Makkah and other parts of Arabia also got a chance to know about this new religion. Due to the beginning of an Islamic society, the revelation of verses of the Holy Qur’an related to social and political issues started in Madinah.

Long-term Effects

The stability and peace strengthened Muslims in Madinah, both economically and militarily. Therefore, only after only eight years of this migration, Muslims conquered Makkah and purified Ka’aba from idols. It proved a clear victory for Islam against polytheism in the Arabian Peninsula. Thus, Migration to Madinah is an integral part of Islamic History, which is incomplete without describing this event.

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