Hijrah (هجرة)
Hijrah - The term derives from the Arabic root “هَجَرَ” (hajra), meaning “to migrate” or “to emigrate”. In Turkish, it is referred to as “Hicret.” Hijrah primarily denotes the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his Companions from Mecca to Medina in 622 C.E., marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar (1 AH).
Etymology
- Arabic: هجرة (Hijrah)
- Turkish: Hicret
Historical Significance
- Prophet Muhammad’s Migration (622 C.E.): The historical event of the Prophet Muhammad emigrating from Mecca to Medina due to persecution in Mecca. This hijrah is significant as it symbolizes the beginning of an Islamic polity under Muhammad’s leadership and laid the foundation for the Muslim community, called the Ummah.
- Establishment of the Islamic Calendar: The Hijrah marks the onset of the Hijri calendar, an essential cultural and religious chronology for Muslims worldwide.
Symbolism
- Willingness to Suffer for Faith: It is seen as an act symbolizing the commitment and readiness to suffer for one’s religious beliefs.
- Hope in the Face of Persecution: Represents the undying hope and resilience in adversity.
Modern Interpretations
- Opposition to Colonial Rule: Historically, hijrah has been symbolically employed in various movements against colonialism.
- Justification for Migrations: It has been invoked to legitimize or explain migratory movements of Muslims, particularly in the context of modernity.
- Withdrawal from Secular Politics: In contemporary times, it can represent a form of withdrawal or separation from the perceived harmful influence of secularism, capitalism, socialism, and Westernization.
- Settlement and Consolidation: Historically also used as a strategy for settling nomadic tribes and consolidating political power in Muslim-majority contexts.
Sufi Interpretation
- Spiritual Journey: For Sufis, the term hijrah extends to the internal spiritual journey, representing a phase of self-purification and the mystic experience of returning to God.
Validation with Key Texts
- Qur’an: Numerous verses reference the concept of migration in the context of faith, exemplified in the story of prophets and believers.
- Hadith Collections: Contains records of the events leading up to, and following, the physical migration from Mecca to Medina.
Selected Books for Further Studies
- “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad” by Ibn Ishaq (translated by A. Guillaume): The classic biography of Muhammad outlining the events of the Hijrah.
- “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings: Provides a detailed narrative of Muhammad’s life, including his migration to Medina.
- “The Early Islamic Conquests” by Fred M. Donner: Explores the broader context and aftermath of the Hijrah in the formation of early Islamic society.
- “Islam: A Short History” by Karen Armstrong: Offers a comprehensive overview of Islam, placing the hijrah within wider historical narratives.
Takeaways
- The Hijrah is a pivotal event in Islamic history marking the birth of the Muslim community (Ummah) and lays the foundation for Islamic civilization.
- Symbolizes deep resilience, faith, and commitment to Islamic values under distressing circumstances.
- The term has evolved to express broader and deeper modern political, social, and spiritual movements within the Islamic world.
Conclusion
The Hijrah is at once a historical event and a profound symbol in Islam that underscore the capacity for faith and hope in adversity. Whether it relates to individual spiritual journeys or broader socio-political movements, the legacy of the Hijrah continues to resonate deeply within Muslim societies.
This entry provides you with a deep understanding of the term Hijrah, its etymology, historical significance, modern interpretations, and resources for further study.
