The Conquest of Mecca & The Significance of Hijrah

In the wake of the conquest of Makkah, in the eighth year after the Hijrah, most of the Arabian Peninsula communities willingly entered the fold of Islam. Those who declined to do so – covertly or otherwise – peacefully accepted the rule of Islam and the Muslims. Around this time, the Prophet (pbuh) proclaimed that there is no Hijrah to Madinah after the take-over of Makkah; there remained only jihad and niyyah (intending good in all actions) afterwards.

The Prophet (pbuh) encouraged people to stay where they were and contribute to spreading the Word of God, since: “To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth…” (al-Baqarah 284), and “To Allah belong the East and the West: whithersoever ye turn, there is Allah’s Face. For Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing” (al-Baqarah 115).

The Duty of Hijrah

Performing the Hijrah was initially imposed as an individual duty, due to the dangers Muslims faced in Makkah. It was crucial for the young community in Madinah to have abundant human resources with diverse talents, to build a strong, thriving community capable of defending itself and its ideals.

Madinah as a Sanctuary

According to scholars, Madinah was declared a Haram (sanctuary) to preserve its natural environment and attract migrants. Allah says: “Those who believed, and migrated and fought for the Faith, with their property and their persons, in the cause of Allah…these are friends and protectors, one of another…” (al-Anfal 72).

Allah also promises forgiveness and refuge for the weak and oppressed who cannot migrate: “He who forsakes his home in the cause of Allah…his reward becomes due and sure with Allah: and Allah is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful” (al-Nisa’ 97-100).

The Prophet’s Guidance

The Prophet (pbuh) encouraged migration to Madinah through prayers and practical guidance. He prayed for the city to be congenial and blessed, and assured rewards for those enduring hardships there. He emphasized Islamic ethics in leadership, spoils distribution, treatment of prisoners, and encouraged enemies to accept Islam or migrate.

This contrasted with life in Makkah prior to Hijrah, where Muslims felt insecure. Notable companions like Abu Dharr migrated to Islam and converted tribes such as Banu Ghifar and Banu Aslim, exemplifying the power of guidance and perseverance.

Wassalaam,
Maha Youssuf
Chief Editor, The Muslim Tribune