The Prophet's Migration (Hijra): Lessons for Today

Every year, the memory of the blessed Prophet's Migration (Hijra) returns to renew within the nation the spirit of patience, determination, and trust in Allah's victory. It wasn't merely a move from Mecca to Medina; it was a turning point in the course of the Islamic call (Da'wah) and a station brimming with lessons our nation needs at every stage of tribulation. This is especially true for our steadfast people in Gaza, who are enduring a recurring catastrophe, living under siege, displacement, and killing – circumstances similar to what the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions faced in Mecca before the Hijra.

A Station of Victory After Suffering

The Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions faced severe persecution in Mecca. Some were killed, others imprisoned, and they were forcibly expelled from their homes. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said as he left Mecca, "By Allah, you are the most beloved land to me, and were it not that your people expelled me from you, I would not have left." (Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi).

Similarly, in Gaza, how much love do its people hold for their land, despite the destruction and ruin that has befallen it! How many mothers have bid farewell to their children! How many children have seen their homes demolished over their heads! It's as if history is repeating itself, but in a resistant Palestinian guise.

From Mecca to Gaza: Unity in Tribulation and Steadfastness in Principle

In Mecca, Muslims were subjected to all forms of harm, yet they did not abandon their religion or change their stances. Likewise, the people of Gaza, despite their wounds, have not weakened or faltered. Instead, they have remained steadfast in their principles, as Allah says: "So they did not weaken for what struck them in the cause of Allah, nor did they give in, nor did they abase themselves. And Allah loves the steadfast." (Quran, Al Imran: 146).

The Hijra was a necessity to preserve the faith, not an escape from reality. Similarly, Gaza's steadfastness is not a losing gamble; it is firmness on truth and waiting for the promised relief. Indeed, victory is but a moment of patience.

Planning with Reliance: No Contradiction

The Prophet's Hijra was not haphazard; it was meticulously planned: choosing a companion (Abu Bakr), the appropriate timing (night), a temporary hiding place (Cave of Thawr), and security cover (Abdullah ibn Abi Bakr, and those who provided food from Abu Bakr's family). All these indicate the combination of reliance on Allah and taking necessary measures.

This is what the nation must grasp today, especially in Gaza; reliance on Allah does not mean surrender, but rather necessitates preparation, as Allah says: "And prepare against them whatever you are able of power." (Quran, Al-Anfal: 60).

The people of Gaza plan; they dig tunnels, manufacture what weapons they can, and face the siege with austerity and innovation. This is precisely what the Prophet (peace be upon him) did on the day of the Hijra.

The Ansar: Lessons in Shelter and Support

One of the greatest lessons of the Hijra is the stance of the Ansar, who sheltered and supported the Muhajirun (emigrants) and prioritized them over themselves, thus earning divine praise: "And those who settled in the home [of immigration] and [embraced] the faith before them love those who emigrated to them." (Quran, Al-Hashr: 9).

Where are the Ansar of Gaza today? Who opens their doors to them as they were open for Muhajirun? Who offers true support instead of empty declarations?!

We need the Ansar of this era, not with words but with actions; through support, shelter, and courageous political stands that break the chains of the siege.

No Hijra After Conquest, But Jihad and Intention

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said after the conquest of Mecca: "There is no Hijra after the conquest, but rather Jihad and intention." (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).

While this Hadith indicates that the land of Islam has been established, it also opens a door to a profound understanding: even if the form of Hijra has ended, its meaning remains in Jihad (struggle), in sincere intention, and in steadfastness in religion.

Gaza today is the arena of Jihad and sincere intention. Whoever cannot emigrate to it should emigrate with their intention, with their stance, with their support, with their pen, by boycotting the enemy, and by exposing their crimes.

The Hijra was the gateway to building the Islamic state and the launch of the empowerment project, despite its painful beginnings. Today, the people of Gaza, with their blood, are forging the dawn of the Ummah (nation). Perhaps they see in the death of their children and their catastrophes pains without hope, but Allah promises them – as He promised His Prophet – a near victory: "Indeed, We will support Our messengers and those who believe during the life of this world and on the Day when the witnesses will stand." (Quran, Ghafir: 51).

Gaza: The Title of the Modern Hijra

Just as the Prophet (peace be upon him) migrated from honorable Mecca, compelled and not by choice, so too are the people of Gaza forcibly displaced today. However, they carry hearts that do not migrate, consciences that do not depart, and souls connected to Al-Aqsa Mosque, which was linked to the Prophet (peace be upon him) on the night of Isra (Night Journey) before the Hijra, serving as spiritual preparation for the next stage.

Therefore, one of the greatest lessons of the Hijra is not to despair, but to be optimistic. For after every Cave of Thawr, a Medina is waiting for us, and after every period of patience, there is victory and empowerment.