Hijrah

What does Hijrah mean?

• Hijrah as an ‘escape’ and guided by God.

Why was Madinah a good option?

• Muhammad would speak to people from Medinah who visited Makkah - they would spread the word when they returned.

• The Jewish people of Medinah were also waiting for a Prophetic figure - the people of Medinah wanted to have a claim to the Prophet first.

• People of Medinah agreed to protect Muhammad - even requested Muhammad to send some teachers so they learn more about Islam.

• The persecution and torture in Mecca continued and a threat to life.

• Lack of influence and spread of Islam in Mecca.

What is a key quote about Hijrah?

• ‘‘Hijrah was a psychological turning point…transforming a faith minority into a community and eventually an empire.’’

What two pledges did the people of Medinah have to make?

Muhammad clearly represented the best chance of success for Medinah but the people of the city had to make 2 pledges:

• First pledge - agreed to serve none but God alone and lead moral lives.

• Second pledge - agreed to accept Muhammad as their political leader as well as their prophet.

What are the benefits of the two pledges?

• They are whole heartedly agreeing to accept the word of Islam, focusing on monotheism no more paganism idolatry etc.

• Gives Muhammad authority.

• The foundation of Islam, moves away from Jahilliya.

• Muhammad as a role model.

• Islam as a comprehensive religion - it has everything.

What is the overall message of the escape from Mecca?

• To show that God was on their side.

What were the reasons for the emigration?

• Muhammad saw the pledges as a sign from God that he was to leave, and the escape showed he was ‘guided’ by God.

• The people of Madinah were welcoming.

• Islam could never just be a religion - it had to be a complete way of life and it meant politics, formal practices, a sense of community had to be part of religion. - comprehensive religion.

• The lack of safety of his followers in Mecca - he would be able to protect them in Madinah.

• Able to preach openly about the revelations from God.

What things did Muhammad establish as a religious and moral leader and why are they important?

The first mosque was built:

• Establishing practices of the religions place of worship.

• Worship is the first and foremost place of gathering for Muslims, discussing matters.

• It was the heartbeat for Madinah

The ummah:

• To get rid of divisions and create a strong brotherhood based on unity and peace.

Building relationships with people:

• Create a community based on equality and humanity and develop knowledge and understanding of each other.

The revelations from Allah at Madinah were more focused on establishing practices/laws which governed the Muslim community e.g. 5 pillars, marriage, wealth etc. (revelations in Mecca were more focused on spirituality/beliefs):

• Islam becomes a comprehensive religion - develops social, ethical behaviour.

What things did Muhammad Establish as a political and military leader and why were they important?

Constitution of Madinah:

• It was an agreement that said there was one single Muslim community (Ummah).

• Jewish allies could be considered part of the Ummah.

• Bound all Muslims together for offence, defence, guaranteed protection.

Muslims need to defend themselves (with the permission of Allah)

• Security, stability - early Muslim community faced numerous threats from tribes, constitution ensures security.

• Unity crucial for survival in community and growth.

• Shows Islam’s legitimacy by defending themselves.

Battles:

• Badr - first battle - minority of Muslims overcame a majority of Makkans according to tradition of divine assistance.

• Uhud - defeat for the Muslims - but a period of reflection.

• Determination and defiance immediately followed.

• Khandaq - final influential battle - victory for Muslims due to effective battle strategies.

• Led to final onslaught and command of Makkah.

• Battles show commitment, sacrifice.

• Shows legitimacy, strength, unity, determination.

What happened at the battle of Badr?

• Muhammad led Muslims of Medina into battle against Mecca due to their attacks on Medina people.

• The Meccans were planning to take a rich caravan across Medina to show their power and strength.

• Muhammad and 315 men filled the wells with sand and the Meccans were forced to go to Badr for more water. (Meccan force was 950 men). - Muhammad and his men were waiting here for them.

• Only 14 Muslims lost their lives.

• The Quraysh returned to Mecca humiliated.

• The people of Medina saw this as proof Allah was on their side and many more became Muslims.

What is a key quote for the Battle of Badr?

• ‘‘Allah given you victory at Badr while you were few in number’’ - Quran.

What happened at the battle of Uhud?

• The Meccans wanted revenge for Badr - 3,000 men marched into Medina against 700 Muslims.

• Muhammad ordered the Muslims to stay at the hill no matter what, but some went ahead and attacked the cavalry because they saw the spoils of war.

• The Meccans came from behind and Muhammad had to retreat back, Muhammad was injured in this battle.

• This was still somewhat successful because the Meccans did not make it to Medina.

What is a key quote about the battle of Uhud?

• ‘But when they saw a transaction or a diversion, they rushed to it and left you (prophet) standing.’’ - Quran

What happened at the battle of al-Khandaq?

• 10,000 Meccans marched towards Medina.

• Muhammad harvested the crops and huge trenches were dug and the cavalry could not cross.

• This was the first time this type of warfare was used and the Meccans realised they were wasting time and money against Muhammad and his followers.

• Muhammad was now in a much stronger position.

What events led to Muhammad’s march on Mecca and what was the outcome?

• Muhammad didn’t want to ruin Mecca - but for them to eventually join the Ummah.

• In 628CE the Meccans made concessions to allow Muhammad and his followers to make the pilgrimage.

• Some of Muhammad’s enemies broke this agreement 2 years later and attacked - so Muhammad organised the Muslims into a march on Mecca.

• The Meccans were weakened by the conversion of some of their rulers to Islam and so surrendered and Muhammad was able to enter Mecca with hardly any resistance.

After entering Mecca how did Muhammad react and what did he do?

• Muhammad at this point could have killed his enemies but instead chose to act mercifully.

• He walked around the Ka'ba 7 times and touched the black stone as a sign that Islam, with the help of Allah had been victorious.

What did Muhammad to to the Ka’ba and what does his character show and mean?

• Him and his followers spent the next 5 days destroying pagan idols and shrines in the Ka’ba.

• Muhammad had been a remarkable character both as a religious leader and as a political figure.

• This combination meant he was able to make converts, able to establish a faith system of beliefs and a strong faith community.