The Hijrah to Madinah (Years 8–11) — Islamic Studies

The migration to Madinah, why it was a turning point, the warm welcome of its people, and the start of the Islamic calendar.

After years of hardship in Makkah, Allah opened a new door for the Muslims: migration to the city of Madinah, an event so important it marks the start of the Islamic calendar.

Why this matters The Hijrah shows that leaving behind hardship for the sake of faith can be a new beginning, and it teaches loyalty, brotherhood and trust in Allah's plan.

An invitation from Madinah

People from the city of Yaṭrib, later called Madīnah, heard the Prophet's ص message and accepted Islam. They invited him and the Muslims to their city, promising to welcome and protect them. This gave the persecuted Muslims a place of safety and a chance to practise their faith freely.

The journey of migration

The migration is called the Hijrah. The Muslims left Makkah quietly, often leaving behind homes and possessions for the sake of their faith. The Prophet ص travelled with his loyal friend Abū Bakr (ra), trusting entirely in Allah's protection during the difficult journey. Those who migrated became known as the Muhājirūn — the emigrants. Their willingness to give up everything familiar shows how precious faith and freedom to worship truly are.

A warm welcome

The people of Madinah welcomed the Prophet ص and the Muslims with great joy and generosity. These helpers were called the Anṣār. They shared their homes, food and wealth with the newcomers, setting a beautiful example of hospitality and brotherhood for the sake of Allah. Their generosity showed that true faith makes people care for one another like a single family, no matter where they come from.

A turning point and a new calendar

The Hijrah was a turning point for several reasons:

the Muslims could now worship and live openly as a community
they could build a society based on justice and faith
it united people from different tribes as one brotherhood

Because it was so significant, the Islamic (Hijrī) calendar begins from the year of the Hijrah, so Muslim years are counted as years "AH" — after the Hijrah.

The Hijrah route: south from Makkah to hide in the cave of Thawr for three nights, then a longer path to Madīnah to avoid those searching for them.

Common exam mistake: reversing the direction of the Hijrah or forgetting Madīnah's earlier name. The migration was FROM Makkah TO Madīnah (formerly called Yathrib) — not the other way round.

Exam technique: name the two groups precisely — Muhājirūn (those who migrated) and Anṣār (the Madinan helpers) — rather than the vague term “the Muslims” when explaining the unity the Hijrah created.

Put these events of the Hijrah in order:

People from Yathrib invite the Prophet ﷺ and the Muslims to their city
The Muslims migrate quietly, becoming known as the Muhājirūn
The Prophet ﷺ and Abū Bakr (ra) hide in the cave of Thawr
They arrive safely and are welcomed by the Anṣār of Madīnah