The Hijra, known in Spanish as la Hégira, marks one of the most pivotal moments in Islamic history. It refers to the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina to escape persecution and establish a new base for the Islamic community. Understanding en qué año ocurrió la Hégira is essential for appreciating how Islam transitioned from a small persecuted faith to a global religion. This event is not only spiritual in nature but also political and social, and it continues to hold deep significance in the Islamic calendar and historical consciousness.
The Historical Context of the Hégira
Life in Mecca Before the Hégira
Before the migration, the Prophet Muhammad preached the message of monotheism in the polytheistic city of Mecca. His teachings challenged the established social and religious norms, which were rooted in tribal power structures and idol worship. As Islam gained more followers, the opposition from the Quraysh tribe intensified. Muslims faced social boycott, physical abuse, and even threats to their lives.
The Need for Migration
As the situation worsened, the Muslim community sought a safe place where they could practice their religion freely. Yathrib, a city later known as Medina, presented a solution. Several tribes from Yathrib had converted to Islam and invited Muhammad to mediate conflicts among them. They pledged to protect him and his followers. This invitation led to the decision to migrate the Hégira.
The Year of the Hégira
What Year Did the Hégira Occur?
The Hégira occurred in the year 622 CE (Common Era). This year is of profound importance in Islamic history because it marks the official beginning of the Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar. In Arabic, this event is called Hijrah, and the corresponding year is referred to as 1 AH (Anno Hegirae).
Establishing the Islamic Calendar
Several years after the migration, during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, it was decided that the Islamic calendar would start from the year of the Hégira. This calendar is a lunar calendar, meaning it is based on the cycles of the moon. Each year consists of 354 or 355 days, making it shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar.
The Journey from Mecca to Medina
Preparation and Secrecy
Because of the hostile environment in Mecca, the migration had to be carried out in secrecy. The Prophet Muhammad and his companion Abu Bakr left under the cover of night, taking an indirect route to avoid detection. They hid in the cave of Thawr for three days before continuing their journey northward.
Arrival in Medina
Upon arrival, the people of Medina, known as the Ansar (helpers), warmly welcomed the Prophet and his followers. The community was composed of both Muslim immigrants from Mecca (Muhajirun) and the supportive locals. This unity laid the foundation for the first Islamic state, where the principles of justice, worship, and brotherhood were implemented.
Religious and Political Significance
Beginning of the Islamic Ummah
The Hégira marked the birth of the Muslim Ummah a unified community bound by faith rather than tribe or ethnicity. This was a radical shift in the Arabian Peninsula, where allegiance had traditionally been based on kinship. The Prophet established the Constitution of Medina, a document that outlined the rights and responsibilities of all inhabitants, including Jews and pagans, fostering coexistence.
Freedom of Worship
In Medina, Muslims were free to pray, fast, and build a mosque. The call to prayer (adhan) was introduced, and communal activities, including Friday prayers and Ramadan fasting, became part of the new society’s routine. These practices flourished in Medina, solidifying the core of Islamic life.
Lasting Impact of the Hégira
Symbol of Perseverance and Faith
The migration is viewed by Muslims worldwide as a symbol of faith, resilience, and trust in God. It reflects the idea that hardships can lead to new beginnings. The Prophet and his followers left behind their homes, possessions, and social ties to protect their beliefs, which inspires Muslims even today.
Annual Commemoration
Each year, Muslims remember the Hégira during the Islamic New Year, which begins on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar. Although it is not a festival like Eid, it is a time for reflection on spiritual progress and renewal of commitment to Islamic principles.
Historical Lessons from the Hégira
Peaceful Coexistence and Governance
One of the key outcomes of the Hégira was the establishment of a society based on law and cooperation. The Constitution of Medina remains a historical example of pluralistic governance, where religious minorities were given rights and protection under a central authority.
Strategic Thinking and Patience
The Prophet’s strategic decision-making, including alliances and conflict resolution, offers lessons in leadership and diplomacy. His patience in facing adversity and ability to unify diverse groups made Medina a stable and prosperous city-state in just a few years.
Clarifying Common Questions
Is the Hégira the Same as Islamic New Year?
The Hégira marks the starting point of the Islamic New Year, but it refers specifically to the act of migration in 622 CE. The New Year, observed annually in the Hijri calendar, is a commemoration of this event.
Why Was the Hégira Necessary?
The Hégira was essential for the survival of early Muslims. Persecuted in Mecca, they needed a safe haven to worship freely and establish a community based on their faith. Without the Hégira, Islam might not have developed into a global religion.
What Makes the Year 622 So Important?
Year 622 is significant not only for being the year of migration but also for serving as the baseline of Islamic chronology. Every Islamic date, ritual, and celebration is calculated from this point forward, emphasizing its lasting importance.
To answer the question en qué año ocurrió la Hégira, it took place in the year 622 CE. This event was not merely a relocation but a transformative moment in Islamic and world history. The Hégira laid the foundation for the Islamic calendar, symbolized the birth of a new religious community, and demonstrated the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Its legacy continues to shape Islamic identity and spiritual reflection, making it one of the most celebrated and meaningful moments in Islamic tradition.