The Hijra Route: The Journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) from Makkah to Madinah

The Hijra (Migration) Route is one of the most significant paths in Islamic history. It was taken by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) when they migrated from Makkah to Madinah to escape the persecution of the Quraish. This journey, spanning approximately 450 kilometers, was a turning point in Islam's history, marking the Islamic calendar's beginning.

The Incident: Why Did the Migration Happen?

The migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not a simple journey; it was a crucial event in the survival and growth of Islam. The Quraish, the ruling tribe of Makkah, strongly opposed Islam and continuously persecuted the Prophet (PBUH) and his followers.

The leaders of the Quraish plotted to assassinate Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to halt the spread of Islam. However, he was informed of their plan through divine revelation. At that moment, Allah commanded the Prophet (PBUH) to migrate to Madinah, where he was invited by the people of the city to establish a just society based on Islamic principles.

The Journey Through the Hijra Route

To avoid detection by the Quraish, the Prophet (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) carefully planned their journey. Instead of taking the main route to Madinah, they chose a less-traveled path through rugged mountains and deserts. This strategic decision allowed them to evade the Quraish, who were searching for them.

Key Events Along the Route:

Hiding in the Cave of Thawr

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) first hid in Ghar-e-Thawr (Cave of Thawr) for three days to escape the Quraish’s pursuit.

The Quraish came close to discovering them, but Allah protected them. According to Islamic tradition, a spider spun a web, and a pigeon laid eggs at the entrance of the cave, making it appear uninhabited.

Guided Journey Through the Desert

After leaving the cave, Abdullah bin Uraiqit, an expert navigator, guided them through lesser-known paths towards Madinah.

Along the way, Suraqa bin Malik, a Quraish tracker, attempted to capture the Prophet (PBUH) but was miraculously stopped when his horse sank into the sand. Seeing this divine sign, Suraqa accepted Islam.

Arrival in Quba and Madinah

After several days of travel, the Prophet (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) reached Quba, a small village near Madinah, where the Prophet (PBUH) built the first mosque in Islam, Masjid Quba.

On 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal, they finally arrived in Madinah, where the people warmly welcomed them.

The Route Today: A Pilgrimage for Hajj and Umrah Travelers

Today, the Hijra Route is an important historical and religious path. Many Hajj and Umrah pilgrims visit key sites along the route to reflect on the hardships faced by the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions.

Key Locations Pilgrims Visit:

Ghar-e-Thawr (Cave of Thawr)

Located south of Makkah, the cave remains a major site where Muslims visit to honor the Prophet’s (PBUH) patience and reliance on Allah.

Masjid Quba

Situated in Madinah, this is the first mosque in Islam and holds great spiritual significance. Pilgrims often pray here as it is believed that a prayer performed in Masjid Quba equals the reward of performing Umrah.

Masjid al-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque)

After reaching Madinah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) built Masjid al-Nabawi, which later became his resting place. It is the second holiest site in Islam after the Kaaba in Makkah.

Final Words

The Hijra Route is not just a path in history but a symbol of faith, resilience, and divine guidance. It reminds Muslims of the hardships faced by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his unwavering trust in Allah. Today, pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah often visit these historical sites, retracing the footsteps of the Prophet (PBUH) and gaining spiritual inspiration from his journey. The pilgrims can book a Ziyarah taxi to visit these places during their Umrah and Hajj journey, making their experience more meaningful.

Source: