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Why is the Hijrah a major date in Islamic history?
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history of Arabia
The Khazneh (“Treasury”), Nabataean ruins at Petra, Jordan.
The Hijrah (or Hegira) is a pivotal event in Islamic history for several fundamental reasons:
- Establishment of the Muslim Community: By migrating from Mecca to Yathrib (later known as Medina) in 622 CE to escape persecution, Muhammad was able to negotiate the Constitution of Medina. This document formally established the Muslim community (ummah) as a distinct sociopolitical entity for the first time.12
- Beginning of the Islamic Era: The Hijrah serves as the starting point of the Muslim era. In 639 CE, the second caliph, ‘Umar I, introduced the Hijrah era, dating years from this migration (denoted as AH, or anno Hegirae).31
- Spiritual and Historical Significance: The migrants who accompanied Muhammad, known as the muhājirūn, are highly esteemed in the Qur’ān for their early conversion and the hardships they endured. Their departure marked a turning point that allowed the nascent faith to transition from a persecuted minority in Mecca to a self-governing community in Medina.12