The Hijrah

The Story

The Hijrah marks the moment when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his followers left Makkah under threat and journeyed to Madinah, where they were welcomed and protected. This 622 CE journey marked the birth of the first Islamic state.

The Quraysh had observed the companions migrating and knew the Prophet ﷺ’s departure was near, so they gathered to end the his mission once and for all by plotting to assassinate him. That night, Jibreel AS descended and informed him to leave immediately. The Prophet ﷺ instructed Ali RA to lie in his bed as a decoy while he slipped out quietly with Abu Bakr RA.

Instead of heading toward Madinah, they traveled south to the Cave of Thawr, a tiny crevice at the top of a steep mountain, barely large enough for two men. They remained hidden there for three days, a strategy meant to confuse every pursuer. This moment teaches the deepest form of tawakkul: trust in Allah is not blind reliance. It is meticulous preparation, followed by handing the outcome to Allah with full certainty.

Abu Bakr’s household played key roles. His son Abdullah brought food and news of Quraysh movements, while Amir ibn Fuhayrah, a shepherd, erased Abdullah’s footprints each morning with his flock.

These layers of preparation are symbolized through the intricate patterns of Mount Thawr, representing hidden routes, erased tracks, and the extraordinary planning behind the Hijrah.

Meanwhile, the Quraysh searched in every direction until they reached the mouth of the cave. Standing just above them, Abu Bakr whispered, “If they look to their feet, they will see us.” The Prophet ﷺ replied, “O Abu Bakr, what do you think of two men whose third is Allah?” He reassured him, “Do not worry, Allah is certainly with us.” Allah then sent sakinah (tranquility) upon them and protected them with unseen forces against impossible odds.

After three days, they emerged and followed an expert guide toward Madinah. The desert and Red Sea symbolize the historic 470 km Hijrah route that forever changed the course of Islam.