Let us ponder over some lessons from Hijrah

The main reason for migration from Makkah to Medina was the pagans of Makkah who opposed and fought the call of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and tried to abort it and harass Muslims. The only exit was to flee with this blessed call to spread it in another land where it could enlighten the way and open the horizons.

The one who ponders over the events of Hijrah (migration) —since the Prophet left his homeland with his friend Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), passing by the events which took place during the journey, and ending by the arrival to Medina— shall find countless lessons and benefits. I shall mention some of these lessons and benefits in this article because I know it is full of benefits.

Before reviewing some of these lessons, let me ask the following question:

The one who ponders over the story of the Prophet's Mi`raj (ascension to the seven heavens) knows that the Prophet (peace be upon him) ascended that night to the seven heavens until he reached Sidrat Al Muntaha (a place in Paradise) that simply. It was not a dream, but it was real and he saw it with his own eyes, so why did he endure that trouble when he migrated from Makkah to Medina walking on foot or riding a camel, going downward then going upward?

Let us see some of these lessons:

1- Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "And say (O Muhammad peace be upon him): My Lord! Let my entry (to the city of Al-Madinah) be good, and (likewise) my exit (from the city of Makkah) be good. And grant me from You an authority to help me (or a firm sign or a proof)." [Surat Al Isra': 80].

Ibn `Abbas said: "The Prophet (peace be upon him) was in Makkah then he was commanded to migrate, thereupon the Ayah was revealed." Abu `Isa At-Tirmidhy said: This is a good and authentic Hadith. Most books of Tafsir say that the Ayah was revealed about the migration from Makkah to Medina, of these books: "Al Jalalin," "Al Qurtuby," "At-Tabary," "Fathul-Qadir," and "Al Baghawy". By thinking in that divine education to the Prophet (peace be upon him) in terms of the way he invoked Allah to reach Medina safely, we realize that Allah granted security to His Prophet (peace be upon him) to enter Medina even before leaving Makkah.

2- Al Mubarakfury mentioned in "Ar-Rahiq Al Makhtum" that Gabriel (peace be upon him) descended to the Prophet (peace be upon him) with the revelation from Allah (Glory be to Him) telling him about the conspiracy of Quraysh and that Allah gave him permission to migrate and fixed for him the time of migration. Moreover, he told him not to sleep in his bed that night.

3- It was reported in Ar-Rahiq Al Makhtum that our mother `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "While we were sitting in the house of Abu Bakr in the noon, a person said to Abu Bakr: This is the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came undercover in a time that he did not use to come in. Abu Bakr said: May my father and mother be ransomed for him, he did not come in such an hour except for a strong reason.

The one who ponders over the previous situations will find some important matters:

1- Allah's Saying: "And say (O Muhammad peace be upon him): My Lord! Let my entry (to the city of Al-Madinah) be good, and (likewise) my exit (from the city of Makkah) be good." [Surat Al Isra': 80].

2- Gabriel told the Prophet (peace be upon him) that Quraysh was plotting against him and asked him not to sleep in his bed that night.

3- The Prophet came out from his house moving between the lines of the pagans, who plotted against him, throwing dust on their heads, and reciting Allah's Saying: "And We have put a barrier before them, and a barrier behind them, and We have covered them up, so that they cannot see." [Surat Yasin: 9].

B- The events of migration indicate a great reliance on Allah along with pursuing the proper means:

1- The Prophet (peace be upon him) went to the house of Abu Bakr undercover so as not to be known.

2- He went to him at noon unlike his habit.

3- He commanded Abu Bakr to let everyone out because of the secrecy of the matter.

4- He headed downward to Yemen then went upwards to Medina as a camouflage and distraction for the unbelievers.

5- Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I looked at the feet of the polytheists who were above our heads when we were at the cave, I said to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): If someone looked under his feet, he would see us. Thereupon, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: O Abu Bakr, how do you think of two persons and their third is Allah?! [Reported by Al Bukhari and Muslim].

6- He remained in the cave until Quraysh stopped searching for him.

C- We learn from this historical and religious event some matters, of which:

1- When a person is inflicted with something that he does not like, he should observe patience and should not object to the destiny of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) because His Destiny entails faith and patience. Furthermore, inflictions protect us from the torment of the Hereafter if we deal with them in a way that pleases Allah.

2- Migration teaches us to think positively, not to despair, and think well of Allah (Glory be to Him): "If you help him (Muhammad peace be upon him) not (it does not matter), for Allâh did indeed help him when the disbelievers drove him out, the second of the two; when they (Muhammad peace be upon him and Abu Bakr may Allah be pleased with him) were in the cave, he (peace be upon him) said to his companion (Abu Bakr may Allah be pleased with him): "Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allâh is with us." Then Allâh sent down His Sakînah (calmness, tranquility, peace) upon him, and strengthened him with forces (angels) which you saw not, and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, while the Word of Allâh that became the uppermost; and Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise." [Surat At-Tawbah: 40].

3- Indeed, victory comes with patience, and with hardship comes ease.

O Allah, we ask You certainty and firm faith. Admit us to the highest paradises while we are sticking to the religion of Islam and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).