Why was the hijra a turning point for Islam?

The Hijrah: A Pivotal Moment in Islamic History

The Hijrah or Hegira has been a significant event since the early days of the Islamic religion. It refers to the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and his followers from Mecca to Medina, which are two holy cities in the Arabian Peninsula. This journey holds immense historical importance and has served as a turning point for Islam.

The Perilous Journey

Upon receiving revelation from Allah and becoming a messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad faced immense opposition from the Quraysh tribe in Mecca. To escape the threats to his life, the Prophet decided to migrate to Medina. His departure was a matter of life and death, as assassins were waiting to kill him the very next morning. In a clever ruse, the Prophet's cousin Ali posed as Muhammad and stayed in his bed while the Prophet made his way to safety.

Accompanied by his loyal companion Abu Bakr, the Prophet began the perilous journey towards Medina. Along the way, they were pursued by Suraqa bin Malik of the Kenanah tribe. However, each time Suraqa's horse attempted to close in on the Prophet's group, it stumbled, preventing their capture. Eventually, the Prophet and his companions successfully reached Medina, where they were welcomed by the inhabitants and participated in the Friday prayer.

The Importance of the Hijra

The hijra was a turning point for Islam as it marked a crucial moment in the development and expansion of the religion. Before the hijra, Islam was a small and persecuted community in Mecca. However, upon reaching Medina, the Prophet and his followers found a safe haven and were able to establish a larger and more united community. This pivotal moment allowed Islam to flourish and spread, shaping its future trajectory.

Final Answer:

The hijra was a turning point for Islam as it allowed the religion to grow and spread after Muhammad and his followers found refuge in Medina.

Explanation:

The hijra was a turning point for Islam because it marked a significant shift in the development and expansion of the religion. Prior to the hijra, Islam was a small and persecuted community in Mecca. However, after the hijra, Muhammad and his followers found refuge in Medina and were able to establish a larger and more united community. This allowed Islam to grow and spread, solidifying its place in world history. The hijra is so important in the history of Islam that it is considered the starting point of the Islamic calendar, marking 622 CE as its first year.