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A
new year begins. Islamic history is full of days and great
occasions that are good to celebrate - taking from them that which
guides us to the right path in difficult times.
The
noble Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah is one of the grandest events
in the history of Islam. Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be
upon him, gives us through the two migrations - the first Hijrah
of the Muslims to Ethiopia and his own to Madinah, then called
Yathrib - many lessons and examples. He teaches us that change
requires hard work and sacrifice.
When
the followers of the Prophet were harmed in Makkah and could find
no one to champion them and feared sedition, the Prophet reviewed
all the countries of the neighboring world for a place to command
them to migrate to. If they went any region in the Arabian
Peninsula they would be returned to Quraysh. Persia was overlooked
because the Persians were idolaters, and the Romans, though people
of the book, were known for being tough and tyrannical. The
Prophet thought Ethiopia would be the best. He ordered the
companions to migrate to Ethiopia. “Go to Ethiopia,” he told
them, “there is a king there who is just.” This Hijrah was
termed the migration to the abode of safety, while the migration
to Madinah was termed the migration to the abode of belief.
We
thus learn from the Prophet that when we plan for something we
should make our plans considering all aspects of the situation. He
planned for the method of travel, the provisions and who would
lead the way. When everything was meticulously planned, he put his
faith in Allah.
In
the grand welcome the Prophet received upon arriving in Madinah we
find lessons and examples. For the people of Madinah welcomed him
and the immigrants with great hospitality, knowing that they would
have to share with the immigrants their money and homes and become
their family - for the immigrants had left their families behind
in Makkah - and asked rewards only from Allah. In this way, the
Prophet achieved brotherhood between the Ansar (helpers of
the Prophet) and the Muhajirun (migrants), and they became
an example of the depth of belief.
The
lessons and examples in the life of the Prophet and the Hijrah to
Madinah should not simply be seen as a historical story to enjoy
reading or hearing but one that we should consider a model for our
own actions, so that we may truly be one of his followers.
O!
Lord, do not deny us the joy of looking upon Your noble face for
our failings or the intercession of the Prophet or Heaven.
Source:
www.aljazeerah.info
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