As for those who emigrated for the sake of God after having been persecuted, We will surely bless them with a good home in this world. But the reward of the Hereafter is far better, only if they knew.  (Qur’aan, 16:41)

The start of a new Islamic year – which we recently witnessed – is predicated on the story of migration. In the early years of spreading Islam, the Prophet (SAW) and his companions faced many hardships and persecution. Establishing faith and becoming a practitioner were not easy tasks in a society adherent to the ways of the past and unaccustomed to change.

Over time, life became so difficult for this small family of believers that the Prophet (SAW) had to seek out refuge – somewhere individuals could worship in peace and begin forming a community. This refuge was found in a land called Yathrib, now Madina – lovingly known as the Prophet’s city.

Imagine having to leave behind everything you’ve known and the land you call home because it is no longer safe. The Prophet (SAW) realized the fate of the Muslim community was at stake. While the journey was made judiciously, it didn’t make the task any easier. Persecution, however, left no choice.

It is noted by Dr. Omid Safi in his insightful piece on the Hijra that upon leaving Makkah, the Prophet (SAW) looked back at the city in longing and said:

Of all God’s earth, you are the dearest place unto me, and the dearest unto God. Had not my people driven me out from you, I would not have left you.

This Hijra – the mass migration of early believers (the muhajirun) from Makkah to Madina – marks the beginning of our Islamic calendar. It is a story steeped in hope, faith, love of God, and humanity. By God’s grace, the muhajirun were met by compassionate helpers (known as the ansaar), who aided the Prophet and received the early believers with welcoming arms. The ansaar became some of the Prophet’s most devoted followers, helping him to establish the first mosque and a blossoming Muslim community. Bonds of faith united these two groups, far surpassing any tribal connections.

As we’ve embarked upon 1441, I can’t help but think how pertinent understanding this story and history of Hijra is to us today. We live in a time where people are fleeing persecution left and right, being oppressed in their homes while the world watches, and turned away or left to rot at our borders. It is a saddening reality that is difficult to see, but one we must keep at the forefront of our minds.

The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah’s month of Muharram. (Muslim)

Muharram – the first month of the Hijri calendar – is one of the four sacred months referenced in multiple ahadith by our Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is a time when fasting is highly encouraged, good deeds multiplied, and sins forgiven, especially on the day of Ashura – the 10th of Muharram.

Ashura unites us with our Jewish brethren as we show gratitude and respect for Prophet Musa (AS), and remember his role in Islam’s growth and development. Due to our strong and close connection with Musa (AS), Muslims are encouraged to fast two days consecutively, preferably the 9th and 10th days of Muharram (as recommended by the Prophet (SAW)) or the 10th and 11th days.

All that being said, as we seek to reap the virtues of this sacred month and move forward into the new Islamic year, it would behoove us to think more critically about the basis of what marks our beginning. Islam grew from a small group of followers to a full-fledged, budding community out of the warmth and compassion of helpers who provided migrants a safe haven to settle and rebuild. In the process, new bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood were formed and the love for the Divine was deepened.

There seems to be no better time to follow in the footsteps of the ansaar than now as we start afresh and show our gratitude to God for the blessing of another new year. Perhaps the best some of us can do is raise our hands in heartfelt prayers or give to causes helping the migrants firsthand, but that itself will certainly lend more meaning to our fasting and good deeds this Muharram. I pray the new year brings refuge and relief to all who are seeking it. May we be for the muhajirun like the ansaar.

Love this Islamic New Year reflection? Share and Pin the Post

---