Migration of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) to Madinah and Its Reward
By: Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi
Email: [email protected]
Permission for the Companions (RA) to Migrate to Madinah:
Before the migration, the Companions (RdhiAllahu Anhum) faced relentless oppression and persecution day and night in Makkah. Then, by the will of Allah, after the Pledge of Aqabah Thaniyah, the Ansar (helpers) pledged their support and assistance to the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Aleihi Wa Sallam) and his followers. Meanwhile, Islam was spreading rapidly in Yathrib (Madinah). Seeing this, the Prophet (saws) granted permission to the Muslims to migrate to Madinah so they could practice their faith freely and fulfill the commandments of Allah in peace and security.
After receiving the Prophet’s (saws) permission, the first Companion to migrate to Madinah was his foster brother, Abu Salmah (RA). After that, migration to Madinah became widespread. Except for the Prophet (saws), Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA), Ali (RA) and a few weak and helpless Muslims, no one remained in Makkah. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (RA) was also preparing to migrate. However, the Prophet (saws) said to him: "Wait a little, I hope I will also be granted permission." (Sahih al-Bukhari: 3905) Upon hearing this, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (RA) decided to stay.
Plot to Assassinate the Prophet (saws) at Darun Nadwah:
Finding a large number of Companions (RA) migrating to Yathrib, the Quraish disbelievers feared that these migrants, along with the people of Yathrib, might create obstacles in their trade routes to Syria. They were also troubled by the thought: "How long will we tolerate this man (Muhammad saws); while he continues to insult our gods and ancestors?" Due to these concerns, the chiefs of Quraish secretly gathered in their consultation house, Darun Nadwah, to make a decisive plan against the Prophet (saws). Some suggested imprisoning him in iron chains and locking him up. Others proposed exiling him. However, a cursed devil, disguised as an old Najdi Sheikh, pointed out flaws in these ideas and dismissed them as ineffective. Then Abu Jahl bin Hisham presented his suggestion: "We should choose one strong young man from every tribe, and each of them should be given a sharp sword. Then, all of them should attack him (saws) at once and kill him together. This way, his blood will be divided among different tribes. I don’t think the Banu Hashim will be able to fight all of the Quraish. When they see this situation, they will agree to take blood money, and we will pay it to them." The devil (Iblis) in disguise approved this plan, saying: "This is the best idea; there is no better plan than this." The entire Quraish leadership agreed to this proposal. (Seerat Ibn Hisham 1/480)
Disbelievers’ Plot Revealed and Instruction to the Prophet’s (saws) to Migrate:
The Quraish disbelievers decided to execute their plan after midnight. However, Angel Jibreel (AS) came to the Prophet (saws) and informed him: "Do not sleep on your usual bed tonight." As the night grew darker, the conspirators gathered outside, waiting for the Prophet (saws) to fall asleep so they could attack him at once. The Prophet (saws) instructed Sayyiduna Ali (RA) to lie on his bed and cover himself with his green Hadrami cloak and not to worry; they would not harm him. This was the same cloak, the Prophet (saws) used when sleeping. Then, the Prophet (saws) took a handful of dust in his hand and, while reciting verses from Surah Yaseen, he walked past the assassins unnoticed, sprinkling the dust over their heads. Allah took away their eye-sight, so they could not see him. By the time the Prophet (saws) had finished reciting, every one of them had dust on their head. He then departed safely, heading towards where he wanted to depart. (Seerat Ibn Hisham 1/482-483)
Departure for Migration and Seeking Refuge in the Cave of Thaur:
In the middle of the night, the Prophet (saws) arrived at Abu Bakr (RA)’s house and took him along on the journey. They set out on the path toward Mount Thaur and hid in the Cave of Thaur for three nights before continuing their migration to Yathrib (Madinah). Ibn Ishaq narrates: "When the Messenger of Allah (saws) firmly decided to migrate, he went to Abu Bakr (RA)’s house and left with him through a small back door. They then made their way to a cave in Mount Thaur and entered it for shelter. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (RA) instructed his son, Abdullah (RA), to stay in Makkah during the day and carefully listen to what people were saying about their whereabouts. He was to report back to them in the evening with any updates. Abu Bakr (RA) also ordered his servant, Amir bin Fuhairah (RA), to graze his flock of sheep nearby during the day and bring them to the cave at night so they could have fresh milk and also erase any tracks leading to their hiding place.” (Seerat Ibn Hisham 1/485)
The Desperate Search by the Idolaters of Makkah:
When the idolaters of Makkah learned about the Prophet (saws)’s migration, they were shocked and deeply troubled. In their frustration, they announced a reward of 100 camels for anyone who could capture the Prophet (saws). Tempted by this grand reward, many set out in search of him, but none were successful. Some of the disbelievers even took along a tracker (Qā’if) —an expert in identifying footprints—. He traced the Prophet (saws)’s footsteps all the way to the Cave of Thaur, where he and Abu Bakr (RA) were hiding. The search party scoured the area, checking every possible direction. However, by Allah’s will, they couldn’t see the Prophet (saws) and Abu Bakr (RA), despite standing so close to them.
Disbelievers Reached the Cave:
The situation became intense as the Quraish search party stood right above the cave. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) could see their feet from inside the cave, so he told: "'I looked at the feet of the idolaters above our heads when we were in the cave, and I said: 'O Messenger of Allah (saws), if one of them were to look down at his feet, he would see us beneath his feet.' He said: 'O Abu Bakr! What do you think of two, of whom Allah is the third of them?" (Sahih Muslim: 2381)
Departure from the Cave of Thaur:
After an unsuccessful search, the Quraish disbelievers gave up and abandoned their hunt. Three days later, when the situation seemed safer, the Prophet (saws), along with his companion Abu Bakr (RA), his servant Amir bin Fuhairah (RA) and an experienced desert guide Abdullah bin Ariqat, set out on their journey under Allah’s protection. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (RA) had already arranged two camels and instructed the guide to bring them to the Cave of Thaur after three nights. As planned, the guide arrived and the small group of migrants set off toward Madinah. To ensure their safety, the guide took an unfamiliar route, one that most people of Makkah didn’t know. This path was longer, but provided greater security from pursuit. “Nonetheless, Abdullah bin Ariqat took Rasulullah (saws) and Abu Bakr (ra) towards the lower regions of Makkah along the coastal route. From here they made their way to the lower regions of Asfaan travelling a stage at a time until they ultimately reached Quba (on the outskirts of Madinah).” (Seeratul Mustafa 1/561)
Miracle at Umme Ma‘bad’s Tent:
The blessed caravan of truth continued its challenging journey toward Madinah. As they travelled, they passed through the region of Qudaid, a small settlement inhabited by the tribe of Khuza‘ah, located approximately 130 kilometers away from Makkah. By this time, the travellers were hungry and thirsty. Upon reaching the territory of Khuza‘ah, the Prophet (saws) and his companions stopped by the tent of a woman named Umme Ma‘bad and approached her to purchase some dates and meat.
The Prophet (saws) asked, "Do you have anything to eat or drink?" Umme Ma‘bad replied, "By Allah! If we had anything, we would not be short in hosting you." The Prophet (saws)’s glance fell onto a young goat in the corner of the tent. When he enquired about it, Ummu M‘abad (ra) replied, “This goat is dreadfully frail and weak. This is why it is unable to graze with the rest of the herd out in the fields.” The Prophet (saws) asked, "Does she have any milk?" She responded, “How can she ever have milk in this condition?” The Prophet (saws) asked: “Do I have your permission to milk her?” She replied: “May my parents be sacrificed for you. If there is any milk in them, you are more than welcome to help yourself.”
The Prophet (saws) called the goat over, reciting Bismillah, he (saws) placed his blessed hand over its udders, and prayed to the Lord of Glory. To everyone’s surprise, the udder filled with milk as a miracle occurred. He then called for a large container and milked the goat until it was completely full. He offered milk to Umme Ma‘bad, who drank until she was satisfied. He then offered the milk to his loyal companions, and they too were filled. The Prophet (saws) drank last, and afterward, he milked the goat once more until the container was full again. He left the full container with Umme Ma‘bad and then continued on his journey.
The Failed Attempt of Suraqa bin Malik:
When the Prophet (saws) moved beyond Qudaid, Suraqa bin Malik, tempted by the reward of 100 camels for capturing him (saws), mounted his horse and began to pursue him. As he chased the Prophet (saws), he experienced something unexpected. According to one narration:
“'Yes.' So, we departed after midday. Suraqa bin Malik followed us and I said, 'We have been discovered, O Allah's Messenger!' He said, "Be not sad (or afraid). Surely! Allah is with us.' The Prophet (saws), invoked evil on him (i.e., Suraqa) and so the legs of his horse sank into the earth up to its belly.….. Suraqa said, 'I see that you have invoked evil on me. Please invoke good on me, and by Allah, I will cause those who are seeking after you to return.' The Prophet (saws) invoked good on him and he was saved. Then, whenever he met somebody on the way, he would say, 'I have looked for him here in vain.' So, he caused whomever he met to return. Thus Suraqa fulfilled his promise.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 3615)
Meeting with Zubair ibn al-Awwam (RA):
When Allah's Messenger (saws) reached close to Madinah, he met Zubair in a caravan of Muslim merchants who were returning from Sham. Zubair welcomed Allah's Messenger (saws) and Abu Bakr (RA) gifting white clothes to wear. (Sahih al-Bukhari: 3906)
Eagerness of the Yathrib People and Prophet (saws)’s Arrival in Quba:
On 12th Rabiul Awwal, Monday, the Prophet (saws), along with his companion and guide, arrived at Quba, located three miles away from Yathrib (now known as Madinah). The Banu Amr ibn Awf tribe was settled in Quba. The Prophet (saws) stayed at the home of the tribe's chief, Khalid ibn Hadran, for over ten days. During this time, he constructed a Masjid, known as the Masjid Taqwa and Masjid Quba. One narration states:
When the Muslims of Madina heard the news of the departure of Allah's Messenger from Makkah (towards Al-Madina), they started going to the Harra every morning. They would wait for him till the heat of the noon forced them to return. One day, after waiting for a long while, they returned home, and when they went into their houses, a Jew climbed up the roof of one of the forts of his people to look for something, and he saw Allah's Messenger (saws) and his Companions, dressed in white clothes, emerging out of the desert mirage. The Jew couldn’t help shouting at the top of his voice, "O you Arabs! Here is your great man whom you have been waiting for!" So, all the Muslims rushed to their arms and received Allah's Messenger (saws) on the summit of Harra. The Prophet (saws) turned with them to the right and alighted at the quarters of Bani 'Amr bin 'Awf, and this was on Monday in the month of Rabi'ul Awwal. Abu Bakr (ra) stood up, receiving the people; while Allah's Messenger (saws) sat down and kept silent. Some of the Ansar who came and had not seen Allah's Messenger (saws) before, began greeting Abu Bakr (ra), but when the sunshine fell on Allah's Messenger (saws) and Abu Bakr came forward and shaded him with his sheet, only then the people came to know Allah's Messenger (saws). Allah's Messenger (saws) stayed with Bani 'Amr bin 'Awf for ten nights and established the mosque (mosque of Quba) which was founded on piety. Allah's Messenger (saws) offered Salah in it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 3906)
Entering Madinah:
The Messenger of Allah started his journey from Quba to Madinah on Friday. “Then he mounted his she-camel and proceeded on, accompanied by the people till his she-camel knelt down at (the place of) the Masjid of Allah's Messenger (saws), at Al-Madina. Some Muslims used to offer Salaah there in those days, and that place was a yard for drying dates belonging to Suhail and Sahl, two orphan boys who were under the guardianship of Sa'd bin Zurara. When his she-camel knelt down, Allah's Messenger (saws) said, "This place, if Allah wills, will be our abiding place." Allah's Messenger (saws) then called the two boys and told them to suggest the price for that yard so that he might take it as a mosque. The two boys said, "No, but we will give it as a gift, O Allah's Messenger (saws)!" (but Allah’s Messenger (saws) refused to accept it as gift. The place was bought from them and Abu Bakr (RA) paid 10 dinar for it.) Allah's Messenger (saws) then built a mosque there. The Prophet (saws) himself started carrying unburnt bricks for its building.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 3906)
Upon the arrival of the Prophet (saws), people gathered on the roads, pathways, rooftops, windows and doors. The children and servants were shouting everywhere: "Allahu Akbar, the Messenger of Allah has arrived! Allahu Akbar, Muhammad (saws) has come! Allahu Akbar, Muhammad (saws) has arrived! Allahu Akbar, the Messenger of Allah (saws) has come!" (Nabi Rahmat/252)
When the Prophet (saws) entered Madinah on his camel, people began to request him, "O Messenger of Allah, please stay with us!" Sometimes, they would grab the reins of his camel, urging him to reside with them. However, the Prophet (saws) would say, "Let the camel go; it is appointed by Allah." The camel eventually knelt in the clan of Banu Najjar, at the spot where the door of the Prophet's Mosque is located today. As the requests for him to stay continued, Abu Ayyub Khalid ibn Zayd al-Ansari (ra) took the saddlebag and brought it to his home. Therefore, the Messenger of Allah (saws) stayed at Abu Ayyub's house for about seven to ten months. Out of respect and reverence, Abu Ayyub (ra) requested the Prophet (saws) to stay in the upper part of his home, but the Prophet (saws) preferred the lower part for the convenience of visitors.
Yathrib became the City of the Messenger:
After the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad (saws), Yathrib was renamed "Madinatur Rashool," (City of the Messenger) which we now call Madinah or al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. With the Prophet's arrival, every corner of Madinah was illuminated, and the people of Madinah had never been as happy about anything as they were with his arrival. The Muslims found peace and security. Islam gained stability and growth. An exemplary Islamic society emerged. The entire Madinah was coloured by one religion and one belief. The Prophet established brotherhood and a covenant of mutual support between the Ansar (helpers) and the Muhajirin (emigrants). The establishment of the Islamic government was realized. Everyone began to worship Allah (swt) without fear and distress.
The Reward of Hijrah and the Lesson for Muslims:
The Hijrah of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) and the Companions to Madinah is an unparalleled and unique sacrifice for the sake of Allah’s religion in the world history. This is why Allah has prescribed a great reward for these emigrants. Allah (swt) says: "Whoever migrates in the way of Allah shall find on the earth many a place to settle, and a wide dimension (of resources). Whoever leaves his home migrating for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, and death overtakes him, then, his reward is established with Allah. Allah is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful." (Surah An-Nisa: 100) In another place, Allah (swt) says: "Those who left their homeland in the way of Allah, then were slain or died, Allah will certainly give them a good provision, and surely, Allah is the best provider. He will definitely admit them to an entrance they will be pleased with, and Allah is surely All-Knowing, Forbearing." (Surah Al-Hajj: 58-59)
From the Hijrah, Muslims should learn that for the exaltation and glory of Allah’s religion, they must endure any hardships and trials with joy and without hesitation. In return, Allah will grant them honour, dignity and a great reward, In Shaa Allah. ∎∎∎∎
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