Faith Brings Strength
Prior to the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina, several significant events unfolded. Below is a collection of pivotal moments surrounding the Prophet’s migration:
- Allah commanded Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to migrate after thirteen years of preaching in Mecca, aiming to protect Islam and strengthen the belief of Muslims. The Prophet responded with trust, knowing that Allah intended only goodness for him.
- The migration was prompted by the oppressive siege imposed by the Quraysh on Muslims and the Hashim clan, who faced economic and social ostracism. With steadfast faith in Allah’s command, the Prophet departed Mecca.
- The Quraysh decided to socially and economically isolate the Muslims, prohibiting trade, marriage, and interactions with them. Consequently, Muslims suffered severe poverty and hunger, resorting to eating tree leaves, which drove them to migrate towards Medina in trust of Allah’s will.
- The Quraysh plotted either to imprison or expel the Prophet from Mecca, fearing retaliation from the Hashim clan and the unity of polytheists around him. They unanimously conspired to kill him, planning a collective attack. However, Allah sent Gabriel to inform the Prophet of the plot, leading him to respond with faith and resolve.
- Gabriel, aware of the assassination scheme against the Prophet, communicated the warning to him, prompting the Prophet to migrate without hesitation, fully aware that Allah intended nothing but goodness for him.
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) left his home confidently, with Ali ibn Abi Talib assuming his place. Although ten men watched over the Prophet’s house, Allah caused them to fall into a deep sleep, allowing the Prophet’s escape.
A New Beginning
The migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) marked a fresh start filled with valuable lessons. This monumental journey has been the topic of discussions, poetry, and gatherings, illustrating the significance of the migration:
- The Prophet instructed his companions to migrate from Mecca to shield them from the Quraysh’s harm and the psychological and physical torment they suffered for their faith.
- The decision to migrate arose when the Quraysh forcefully sought to eliminate the Prophet; however, Gabriel informed him of their plan, prompting him to ask Ali to take his place while he and Abu Bakr journeyed to Medina.
- The Quraysh men waiting for the Prophet outside his home were blinded to his exit. Allah placed them in a deep slumber as he and Abu Bakr made their way to safety, protecting the nascent Islamic movement.
- The primary goal of the migration was to escape the cruelty of the Quraysh, who inflicted significant emotional and physical suffering on Muslims.
- One of the central reasons for the migration was to safeguard Islam and relocate Muslims to a more secure environment for practicing their faith and spreading their message.
- A noble aim of migrating to Medina was to disseminate Islamic teachings to neighboring tribes while protecting the faith and introducing the new religion to others.
- Despite their deep love for Mecca, the Prophet and his followers left, prioritizing the preservation of lives and the propagation of the faith above all else.
Self-sacrifice: A Symbol of True Love
The companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified self-sacrifice, genuine love, and dedication to the upliftment of their nation and faith. This commitment is highlighted through the following acts of sacrifice:
- Aisha bint Abu Bakr undertook a perilous three-day journey delivering provisions to the cave of Thawr, where the Prophet and Abu Bakr were hiding post-migration.
- Ali ibn Abi Talib selflessly risked his life to protect the Prophet by sleeping in his place, ensuring a safe escape to Medina with Abu Bakr.
- The young Amir ibn Fuhairah ventured risks to bring news about the Quraysh to the Prophet while he was hidden in the cave, showing immense dedication.
- Abu Bakr sacrificed everything for the Prophet, leaving behind his possessions to accompany him on the arduous journey to Medina.
- Despite being heavily pregnant, Aisha bint Abu Bakr rushed to deliver food to her father and the Prophet for three days, remaining undetected due to her condition. What a remarkable sacrifice!
- Ali ibn Abi Talib, resembling the Prophet closely, dutifully obeyed by sleeping in his position, regardless of the great danger it posed, prioritizing the safety of the Prophet and his mission.
- Abdullah ibn Abu Bakr would visit the Prophet and Abu Bakr in the cave, spending the night before discreetly returning to Mecca just before dawn, thereby misleading the Quraysh into believing he remained there.
- Endurance through the tribulations of travel and the steadfastness in faith are among the most noble qualities a Muslim can embody; after such trials, one ultimately savors the sweetness of victory.
Companionship: A Guiding Light
The value of good companionship is invaluable for navigating life’s journey, especially when Abu Bakr is chosen as the companion of the illiterate Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a relationship so profound that words could hardly do it justice:
- Abu Bakr as-Siddiq profoundly accompanied the Prophet during their migration from Mecca to Medina, epitomizing the ideal travel companion.
- Amir ibn Fuhairah followed Abdullah ibn Abu Bakr with sheep to obscure their tracks, diligently ensuring the Prophet’s and Abu Bakr’s safety.
- The thoughtful companion Abdullah ibn Abu Bakr arrived to spend the night with the Prophet and Abu Bakr in the cave of Thawr, leaving before dawn to avoid detection, offering comfort during their perilous time.
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not solely rely on worldly precautions during the migration; instead, he firmly placed his trust in Allah, doing so alongside his devoted companion Abu Bakr.
- Abu Bakr felt anxious upon seeing the approaching Quraysh while in the cave, yet the Prophet reassured him that Allah was with them, boosting his confidence in the Prophet of mercy.
- A reward of 100 camels was offered by the Quraysh for anyone who captured the Prophet (peace be upon him) alive or dead, motivating Suraqa to pursue him, yet he faced divine intervention, finding his horse stuck in the sand.
- Poets crafted verses celebrating the noble migration, underscoring the significance of this event within the Muslim community, enriching the heritage with beautiful recitations.
- Good companionship is one of the most vital attributes a person can seek; the right companion leads one towards righteousness, while the wrong one inflicts detriment during both travel and daily life.
Fear Disperses in the Security of Allah
Humans often encounter fear, believing they cannot escape their predicaments; however, the safety granted by Allah shields us from all anxiety, as demonstrated during the Prophet’s migration:
- When Suraqa ibn Malik attempted to capture the Prophet (peace be upon him), his horse sank in the sand, preventing any further pursuit. He then promised the Prophet he would not inform the Quraysh of his whereabouts in exchange for a reward but returned without divulging the secret.
- Abu Bakr volunteered to accompany the Prophet due to his concerns for him and affection, and the Prophet agreed as they embarked together.
- Throughout the journey, Abu Bakr alternated positions, walking behind and ahead of the Prophet, ensuring his safety from all threats.
- Upon reaching the cave of Thawr, Abu Bakr led the way to inspect for threats before allowing the Prophet to enter, exemplifying his protective instincts.
- The two met numerous dangers during their escape from Mecca, yet Allah facilitated their safety despite the constant pursuit of Quraysh.
- Allah caused the sand to entrap Suraqa’s horse, preventing him from reaching the Prophet (peace be upon him) and Abu Bakr, effectively thwarting his chase.
- Amir ibn Fuhairah, a shepherd for Abu Bakr, followed Abdullah to camouflage their tracks after spending the night with the Prophet, returning under the cover of darkness to avoid detection by the Quraysh.
- While in the cave, Abu Bakr felt apprehensive as the Quraysh approached, but the Prophet reassured him, highlighting Allah’s protection — to the point where the Quraysh could have seen them had they looked down.
The Sweetness of Results Eases the Pain of Longing
After migrating with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the companions encountered emotional struggles due to leaving their homes for Medina. However, the remarkable outcomes revitalized their spirits:
- The migration resulted in numerous positive outcomes for the Muslim community, benefiting both them and the Islamic mission profoundly.
- Through this migration, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established a structured Islamic state that championed truth, combatting falsehood while eradicating social inequities.
- The migration to Yathrib (Medina) contributed to forming a community embedded with values of kindness, altruism, and a commitment to convey the true message of Islam with integrity.
- Numerous principles were foundational in establishing the Islamic state, foremost among them the worship of Allah alone and the unification of efforts to support the cause of Islam.
- The migrants forged brotherhood with the residents of Medina, sharing their resources generously to alleviate the burdens of displacement endured by their fellow emigrants.
- Upon arrival in Medina, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prioritized constructing a mosque, enlisting the community’s help without concern for labor, reflecting the spirit of unity; it was built using stones and palm trunks.
- The Prophet additionally convened agreements with the Jewish tribes, ensuring their role as part of the Islamic state and a mutual commitment to defend against any external aggression.
- The migration from Mecca to Medina signified the dawn of a new era for defending and spreading Islam, crucial for providing security and peace to the Muslims who had suffered under the cruelty of the polytheists.
- The companions and the Prophet faced tremendous challenges on their journey from Mecca to Medina, especially since the outcome remained uncertain, yet their unwavering faith in Allah propelled them forward.