The Prophet's Migration: A pivotal event that changed the course of history

The migration occurred under complex political and religious circumstances, as the persecution of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions in Mecca escalated, particularly after the death of his uncle, Abu Talib, his primary protector among the Quraysh. The situation reached the point where Quraysh leaders gathered at Dar al-Nadwa to conspire to assassinate him, prompting the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to make the decision to emigrate by direct divine command.

The journey began on the night of Monday, Safar 27, 1 AH, corresponding to September 12, 622 CE, when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) left Mecca accompanied by Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him), heading south to the Cave of Thawr, where they stayed for three days, hidden from the eyes of the Quraysh. During this period, several Companions played crucial roles, most notably Abdullah ibn Abu Bakr, who conveyed news from Mecca; Asma bint Abu Bakr, who secretly delivered food; and Amir ibn Fuhayrah, who deliberately walked over their footprints with his sheep to conceal them.

After leaving the cave, the Prophet ﷺ took an unfamiliar route along the western coast of the Arabian Peninsula to avoid pursuit by the Quraysh. He reached Quba on the outskirts of Medina, where he stayed for four days and established the first mosque in Islam, the Quba Mosque. On Friday, Rabi' al-Awwal 1 AH, corresponding to September 27, 622 CE, the Prophet ﷺ entered Medina, thus beginning a new era in the lives of Muslims.

The Prophet ﷺ was warmly received by the people of Medina, who had previously pledged allegiance to him and pledged their support and obedience. After settling in, he established the Prophet's Mosque on the site where his camel had knelt. He also established what is known as the "Charter of Medina," which regulated relations between Muslims, Jews, and the rest of the city's inhabitants and established a civil society based on justice and cooperation. He also declared brotherhood between the Muhajireen (immigrants) and the Ansar (helpers), strengthening unity and building the nucleus of the new Islamic society.

The Prophet's migration was later adopted as the starting point for the Islamic calendar, during the reign of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, may God be pleased with him, given that it represented the true beginning of the Islamic state.

The Prophet's migration is a pivotal moment in Islamic history, embodying the meanings of faith, trust, planning, and wisdom. It was the actual foundation of an Islamic civilization whose influence extended to all corners of the earth.