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Why did Muhammad and his followers leave Mecca for Medina during the Hijrah?

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World map showing the global distribution of Islam, with countries shaded in varying tones of green to indicate the estimated percentage of the population practicing Islam. Darkest green represents countries with 95-100 percent Muslim populations, including much of North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Central and South Asia. Lighter greens show lower percentages, while most of Europe, the Americas, Australia, and East Asia are shaded to indicate less than 25 percent Muslim population.
Islamic world

Muhammad and his followers undertook the Hijrah in 622 CE primarily to escape the intense persecution they faced in Mecca.12

Tensions had escalated after Muhammad began public preaching, as his message—which denied the existence of gods other than Allah—directly challenged the religious beliefs and practices of the Quraysh tribe. This opposition manifested in various forms, including harassment, violence against the most vulnerable followers, and a social and economic boycott against Muhammad’s clan.34

The situation became critical around 619 CE following the deaths of his wife, Khadījah, and his uncle and protector, Abū Ṭālib. When his successor as head of the clan withdrew protection, Muhammad was no longer safe in Mecca and faced an assassination plot. Consequently, he sought a more hospitable environment and accepted an invitation from representatives of Yathrib (later known as Medina), who offered him and his followers protection.342