Hijrah (هجرة‎)

Hijrah (هجرة‎)

Definition and Significance

Hijrah (هجرة‎), literally meaning “migration” in Arabic, holds several key connotations in Islamic context:

1. The Departure of Prophet Muhammad: Refers to the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD.
2. The Muslim Era: Marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
3. Leaving Non-Muslim Rule: Describes the act of Muslims leaving a non-Muslim country to reside in a Muslim-ruled area.
4. Fleeing from Sin: Symbolizes leaving sinful practices or environments.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: الهجرة (al-Hijrah)
• Turkish: Hicret

Historical Context

The Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad occurred on the fourth day of the first month of Rabiʿ al-Awwal, which falls around June 20, 622 AD. The Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar, was established by Caliph ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab seventeen years after the event. It begins from the first day of the first lunar month, Muharram, in the year 622 AD.

Calculation of Hijrah and Gregorian Years

• To convert a Hijri year to a corresponding Gregorian year:

  • Multiply the Hijri year by 2.977
  • Divide the product by 100
  • Deduct the quotient from the Hijri year, and then add 621.569.
  • Example: Hijri year 1269 × 2.977 = 3777.8, which divided by 100 = 37.778.
    • Subtracting 37.778 from 1269 yields 1231.222.
    • Adding 621.569 results in approximately the year 1852.

• To convert a Gregorian year to a Hijri year:

  • Subtract 622 from the Gregorian year
  • Multiply the result by 1.0307
  • Add 0.46, and the sum indicates the Hijri year.
  • Example: Year 1852 - 622 = 1230
    • 1230 × 1.0307 = 1267.761.
    • Adding 0.46 results in approximately the Hijri year 1268.

Further Reading

For those looking to delve deeper into the concept of Hijrah and its significance in Islamic tradition, consider the following books:

• “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings
  • An authoritative biography of Prophet Muhammad that extensively covers the Hijrah.
• “The Sealed Nectar: Biography of the Noble Prophet” by Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri
  • A comprehensive account of Muhammad’s life, including the migration to Medina.
• “A History of Islamic Societies” by Ira M. Lapidus
  • Offers a broad historical context that includes the Hijrah and its impact on Islamic civilization.

Takeaways

• The Hijrah represents a pivotal event in Islamic history, serving as the foundation for the Islamic calendar.
• It epitomizes a crucial transition for the early Muslim community in seeking a safe environment to freely practice and propagate their faith.
• The Hijrah also symbolizes the broader spiritual concept of migrating from sinful or oppressive situations towards a state of greater spiritual purity and religious observance.

Conclusion

The Hijrah embodies both a historical milestone and a profound spiritual metaphor within Islam. It signifies the beginnings of the Muslim community in Medina, the advent of the Islamic calendar, and the broader religious concept of leaving behind sin and hardship in pursuit of righteousness and faith. Understanding the Hijrah is fundamental to grasping the rich tapestry of Islamic history and its ongoing legacy.