Issue No: 108
3rd February 2012
10th Rabi ul Awwal 1433 A.H
Salamun alaykum,
Hijra: It’s the 1433rd Anniversary:
The commencement of the month of Rabi’al Awwal commemorates a crucial event in the history of Islam. It was in the 13th year of B’ithat (commencement of prophetic mission), when based upon Divine instructions, the Holy Prophet undertook Hijra (emigration) from Makka to Yathrib, later renamed Madina.
Hijra : a turning point :
The transfer of residence or to take shelter in another city is a form of Hijra ( emigration) in the physical sense. It was a turning point to seek refuge from the tortures of the Pagan arabs in Makkah.
By announcing the message of Tawhid and Nubuwwat amongst the aristrocratic society of the Quraysh in Makka the holy prophet had set into motion the journey of establishing a community submitting in obedience to the Divine message of Islam. This was a turning point for the new muslims. They were undergoing a hijra (emigration) from the practices of idol worship to the submission to Allah SWT. This was the hijra of the self- the nafs.
This had a great impact on the society. The shape of the society was changing where the new muslims who had renounced disbelief and idol worship were now living side by side with non muslims, as neighbors, in the society of idol worshippers. The period of life which the holy Prophet and the nascent muslim community passed among the hard-hearted people of Makka was not without its severe challenges from the Quraysh pagan arabs.
Notwithstanding the hostile and unwelcome behavior from their neighbors, the holy prophet exhorted the muslims to maintain cordiality with their neighbors.
“Maintain good relations with your neighbors that you may be (proven to be) a muslim.” Holy Prophet SAWW.
This signifies the maintaining of pleasantness with ones neighbors to be an indicator of one’s level of Eiman - submission to Islam. Guided by this commandment the muslims slowly, but surely had an impact on their neighbors in the society, both in Makkah and Madina.
We as muslims are a community have undertaken the process of hijra / migration for various reasons such as education, refugees, employment, economic gain or in one way or the other for a better way of living.
Having undertaken hijra how is our behavior whilst interacting with the wider community in different zones like at home, work place, shopping malls, on the roads and other instances having an impact on them as our neighbors?
Does it reflect a high level of our eiman?
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
With salaams and duas
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat