Hégire

The Hégire, also spelled Hijra, refers to the migration of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina (then known as Yathrib) in 622 CE. This event is of profound significance in Islamic history and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, known as the Anno Hegirae (AH) or Year of the Hégire. Prior to the Hégire, Muhammad and his early followers faced increasing persecution and hostility from the Quraysh tribe in Mecca, who were opposed to his monotheistic message. The invitation from the tribes of Yathrib, who were experiencing internal conflict, offered a sanctuary and an opportunity to establish a new community based on Islamic principles.

The Hégire was not merely a physical relocation; it represented a pivotal turning point for Islam. In Medina, Muhammad was able to establish a functioning society and government, laying the foundation for the spread of Islam. He acted as a political, social, and religious leader, mediating disputes and unifying the diverse population. The journey itself was arduous and undertaken in secret to avoid detection by the Meccans. The establishment of the Ummah, the community of believers, in Medina was a direct consequence of the Hégire and became a model for Muslim communities worldwide. The Islamic calendar, commencing with the Hégire, underscores its importance as the foundational event for Islamic civilization.