Migration to Madina

Immediate Measures After Migration to Madina

First Year of Hijra

Outline the events in Madina that immediately followed the Hijra, mentioning especially the Emigrants (Muhajirin) and helpers (the Ansar).

Prophet S.A.W.’s Migration to Madina

By Allah’s command, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) secretly escaped from Makkah to Madina with his friend Abu Bakr (R.A.). They hid inside the Thaur Cave for three days. After that, they continued their journey with Amir bin Fuhayra (a slave) and Abdullah bin Uraiqit (a guide). They reached Quba on Monday, from where Hazrat Ali (R.A.) joined them. During their stay, they built the first mosque of Islam, the “Quba Mosque”. On Friday, they reached the quarter of Banu Salim. There, the Prophet (S.A.W.) delivered a sermon and led the Friday prayer in congregation.

Upon hearing the Prophet’s arrival, the residents of Madinah eagerly waited for the Prophet (S.A.W.). And when He (S.A.W.) arrived, the women and children of Madina welcomed Him with enthusiasm; the girls sang welcoming songs for Him. Soon, the city became known as “Madina-tun-Nabi”. It means ‘The City of the Prophet’ or “Al Madina-tul-Munawwara”. Later, it was shortened to just Madina.

As Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) passed through the city, many people invited him to stay with them. However, He (S.A.W.) deferred it to his she-camel (al-Qaswa) for a final decision. Prophet (S.A.W.) said, “Let it go its own. It is under orders”. Eventually, the she-camel knelt at the spot that the Prophet (S.A.W.) had purchased to build a mosque and his house; this land had previously owned by two orphaned children named Sahal and Sohail. Regardless, during the construction of the mosque (Masjid-e-Nabvi) and the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) house, He (S.A.W.) stayed at Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansari (R.A.)’s home.

Construction of Masjid Nabwi

He (S.A.W.) personally participated in the construction of this simple square building with the Muhajrin. The roof was made of mud, date palm leaves, and stones, while the walls were set with unbacked mud blocks. Similarly, palm tree trunks were used as pillars, and sand mixed with pebbles formed the floor. Two rooms adjacent to the mosque were constructed for the Prophet (S.A.W.)’s family, one for Saudah (R.A.) and one for Aisha (R.A.).

Calligraphy Fonts

old Masjid Nabwi -Migration to Madina

The mosque was the centre of worship and an educational platform for Muslims. Therefore, the Suffah Bench (the study circle) was established on its premises for learning and teaching. Above all, the mosque was the headquarters for Muslims to discuss matters of the state.

Adhan System

The method of Adhan was introduced for congregational prayers. For this purpose, the Prophet (S.A.W.) sought suggestions from their companions. Some companions suggested ringing the bell, like the Christians, whereas others recommended blowing horns, like the Jews; yet the Prophet (S.A.W.) did not agree with either viewpoint.

Hazrat Umar (R.A.) suggested appointing someone to call out for prayer loudly, while Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaid (R.A.) narrated his dream in which he saw a man who taught him the words of Adhan. Hazrat Umar (R.A.) also had a similar dream. Prophet (S.A.W.) instructed Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaid (R.A.) to tell those words to Bilal ibn Rabah (R.A.). Bilal (R.A.) memorised the Adhan words and called the Muslims of Madina to prayer with those words. Thus, Bilal ibn Rabah became Islam’s first muezzin.

Hostility Between Aus and Khazraj

The Aus and Khazraj clans resided in Madina; often their rivalry resulted in several murders and acts of violence between them. They chose Abdullah bin Ubai as their leader to end this enmity, but after the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) arrival, the situation changed completely. After becoming the leader of Madina, the Prophet (S.A.W.) ended their hatred. They were known as ‘Ansars’ (the helpers of the Prophet (S.A.W.).

Establishment of Brotherhood

The establishment of brotherhood between the Muhajirin and Ansars (residents of Madina who accepted Islam) was one of the most critical issues after the migration. Muhajirin emigrated to Madina, abandoning their homelands and belongings behind, which was their great sacrifice for the sake of the survival of Islam. Now their condition was dire, as they were destitute and in need of shelter.

Therefore, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) directed the Ansar to share their properties and businesses with Muhajrins. Saad bin Rabi’a (Ansari) was paired with Abdul Rahman bin Auf (Muhajir), who had voluntarily offered his half possession to Abul Rahman bin Auf. In contrast, the Prophet (S.A.W.) was linked with Ali (R.A.). This sacrifice of the Muhajirin and Ansar is highlighted in chapter 8, verse 72 of the Holy Quran in the following words:

“Those who believed and adopted exile, and fought for the faith, with their property and their persons, in the cause of Allah, as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid these are all friends and protectors, one of another.” 
(8:72) Al Anfal 

Separate Islamic State of Madina

The alliance between Muhajirin and Ansar in Madina genuinely supported the Prophet (S.A.W.) in fighting against the Quraish for flourishing Islam and defending the newly established Islamic state. Thus, with the help of the Ansar and the sacrifice of Muhajirin, a distinct Islamic state, Madina (Madina-tun-Nabi), was founded.

Other Developments after the Migration to Madina

At the time, Jewish and non-Muslim tribes lived in Madina. Prophet (S.A.W.) focused on resolving the issues of mutual relations among the inhabitants of Madina. To resolve this delicate issue, He (S.A.W.) included all Jewish and non-Muslim tribes in a pact. It was named ‘The Charter of Madina’. Its objective was to provide them with privileges and responsibilities for their full rights and benefits. Apart from the distribution of religious and economic freedom, social rights were likewise included in the agreement.

Regardless of whether they faced external attacks, loyalty to the state of Madina was an obligation for both parties to form peace in the region and help each other in state matters. But as per the agreement, the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) judgment would be considered final if there was any disagreement.

Explain the significance of these events as an example for Muslims today.

Establishing a Peaceful Society

First, soon after the migration to Madina, the Prophet (S.A.W.) focused on the necessity of a peaceful society. To achieve this goal, He (S.A.W.) dissolved the hostility between the two major tribes of Madina, Aus and Khazraj, who had been rivals for years. Next, the Prophet (S.A.W.) laid the foundation of brotherhood between Ansar and Muhajirin, establishing a strong bond. Moreover, the distribution of Ansar’s wealth with the Muhajirin also increased their love and strength. As a result, we learn that sacrifice and generosity can help to create strong bonds with others.

treaty of hudaibya

Terms of the Treaty of Hudaibya

In the year 628 A.D., in the month of Dhul Qadah, the Prophet (S.A.W.) set out from Madinah for Hajj along with 1400 Muhajireen …

battle of badr - second hijra

Causes of the Battle of Badr

The Quraysh were jealous of the growing power of the Prophet (S.A.W.). Also, they were immensely displeased with the people of …

Agreement Between Muslims and Non-Muslims

Next, the Prophet (S.A.W.) invited the Jews and non-Muslims to sign an agreement with the Muslims. According to this treaty, Muslims promised to provide all essential liberties, so the people of Madina were satisfied. Consequently, a peaceful society emerged. Today, it is an example for Muslims to understand the importance of peace in society; It also teaches that even if citizens are non-Muslim, we should provide them with equal rights.

Importance of Masjid-e-Nabwi

21 thoughts on “Migration to Madina”

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