Background of Yathrib
Yathrib (later known as Madinah) was a town located approximately 450 miles north of Makkah, inhabited primarily by two Arab tribes, the Aws and Khazraj, and several Jewish tribes. For years, the Aws and Khazraj had been embroiled in domestic strife. This yelling situation may be described:
- For over a century, internal feuds between its two main Arab tribes, Aws and Khazraj, as well as tensions with the Jewish tribes of Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Nadir, and Banu Qurayza, created a volatile environment. This instability was compounded in the absence of strong central leadership.
- The Battle of Bu’ath, fought shortly before the Prophet’s (ﷺ) migration, was a particularly destructive conflict between Aws and Khazraj. It led to numerous killings, unresolved grievances, and disputes over blood money.
- The prolonged nature of these conflicts that made it impossible to properly resolve the disputes that had been going on between the tribes under the existing rules. The existing unresolved troubled situation left the tribes weary and yearning for peace.
Meanwhile, the Jewish tribes, who were learned and familiar with the concept of monotheism, often warned the Arab tribes:
“A prophet is about to come, and when he does, we will follow him and defeat you.”
This recurring prophecy had made the people of Yathrib aware of the possibility of a prophet’s arrival.
The First Contact with the Pilgrims of Yathrib (Madinah)
During the Hajj season, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) persistently preached the message of Islam to the visiting pilgrims. The season held special significance in Arabia, as it was a time of truce, ensuring safety and a sacred atmosphere. It was during one such Hajj season that the Prophet (ﷺ) met a group of six individuals from Yathrib (modern–day Madinah), marking a turning point in the spread of Islam.
The Meeting at Aqaba
The Prophet (ﷺ) secretly met the group from Yathrib at a secluded place called Aqaba near Makkah. He invited them to Islam and explained the principles of monotheism, urging them to abandon idol worship and submit to Allah (SWT).
The six men, impressed by his words and recognizing him as the awaited prophet, accepted Islam and pledged their allegiance. They promised to return the following year with more people from their community to embrace the new faith.
The Beginning of Islam in Yathrib
Upon returning to Yathrib, the newly converted Muslims shared the teachings of Islam with their community. The monotheistic message resonated deeply with the people, especially given the conflicts they had endured and their familiarity with Jewish beliefs. Many embraced Islam with pride, recognizing it as a superior path that emphasized justice, unity, and worship of one true God.
Islam’s initial spread in Yathrib was facilitated by:
- The People’s Readiness for Change: Years of strife between the Aws and Khazraj had left the people longing for peace and unity. Islam offered a solution.
- Awareness of Jewish Prophecies: The Jewish foretelling of a prophet made the people more receptive to the Prophet’s (ﷺ) message.
This pivotal meeting at Aqaba laid the foundation for Islam’s eventual acceptance in Yathrib. It would lead to the establishment of the first Islamic state and community, marking the start of a transformative era in Islamic history.
The Pledges of Aqaba
The two pledges of Aqaba were landmark events in Islamic history, signifying the initial establishment of a supportive base for Islam outside Makkah and paving the way for the eventual migration (Hijrah) to Yathrib (later Madinah).
The First Pledge of Aqaba (11th Year of Prophethood)
In the Hajj season following the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) initial contact with the people of Yathrib, a group of twelve individuals from Yathrib secretly met him at Aqaba, near Makkah. This group, comprising members of the Aws and Khazraj tribes, embraced Islam and made what became known as the First Pledge of Aqaba.
- Terms of the Pledge:
The pledge included the following commitments:
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- Worship Allah alone, without associating any partners with Him.
- Refrain from adultery and immoral behavior.
- Avoid theft, robbery, and the misappropriation of wealth.
- Refrain from slander and backbiting.
- Uphold truth and justice, even in difficult circumstances.
- Obey the Prophet (ﷺ) in matters of righteousness and justice.
- Support the religion of Islam regardless of personal challenges or preferences.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) promised them Paradise if they upheld their pledge and warned of divine punishment if they faltered.
Mus’ab ibn Umair’s (RA) Mission:
At the request of the delegation, the Prophet (ﷺ) sent his companion Mus’ab ibn Umair (RA) to Yathrib to teach them the principles of Islam and guide their community. Within a few months of Mus’ab’s (RA) going to Yathrib, his efforts bore remarkable fruit.
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- During his stay in Yathrib many individuals, including influential leaders of the Aws and Khazraj tribes, embraced Islam.
- His diplomacy and teachings fostered unity among the tribes discarding their long-standing feud and prepared Yathrib to become a center of Islamic propagation.
- They began to gather under the banner of the religion of peace, Islam.
- The following year, a large group of them expressed their desire to visit Makkah for Hajj and meet the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
In the following month of Rajab, Mus’ab (RA) returned to Makkah and informed the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) of this happy and successful news. He was pleased and hopeful with this news, realizing that the land of Yathrib was a suitable place for the propagation of Islam.
The Second Pledge of Aqaba (12th Year of Prophethood)
In the following year, during the Hajj season, a larger group of 72 individuals, including two women, came from Yathrib to meet the Prophet (ﷺ) at Aqaba. On a certain night, the delegation met with the Prophet (ﷺ) in a very secret meeting at Aqaba. There were also some polytheists in this group. This meeting was conducted in secrecy, especially from the polytheists within their caravan.
- The Concern of Abbas ibn Abd–al Muttalib
The Prophet’s (ﷺ) uncle, Abbas ibn Abd–al Muttalib, who had not yet embraced Islam, attended this meeting to express his concern for the Prophet’s (ﷺ) safety. Abbas asked the delegation if they were capable of protecting the Prophet (ﷺ) if he migrated to Yathrib or if they would abandon him in the face of danger. He also said that if there was any such fear, he considered it appropriate for him to remain in Makkah. In response, the delegation from Yathrib reassured him and said, ‘We have understood your concern.’
Then they said to the Prophet (ﷺ),
‘O Prophet of Allah, we are completely ready to make any promise according to your demands. We will do whatever you ask us to do.’
The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
‘I am taking your allegiance on the condition that you will provide me with security as you would your family and children.’
Then everyone placed their hands in the hands of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and swore allegiance and pledged that:
‘We will remain loyal to you in all circumstances, in good times and bad, in danger and peace, we will always stand firm in following your instructions, and we will always remain undaunted about any obstacles or dangers in spreading the truth.’
The delegation reassured Abbas and pledged their complete commitment to the Prophet’s (ﷺ) protection.
- Terms of the Second Pledge:
The second pledge was broader and involved commitments to:
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- Protect the Prophet (ﷺ) as they would their own families and children.
- Remain steadfast in following his guidance in all circumstances—whether in ease or difficulty, in peace or danger.
- Defend Islam and the Prophet (ﷺ) against any threats, regardless of personal risks or obstacles.
After taking the oath, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“If you fulfill these oaths completely, you will be entitled to Paradise, and if you fail, you will face the severe punishment of Allah. But Allah is Oft–Forgiving and Most Merciful — everything is subject to His will.”
- Significance of the Second Pledge:
The Second Pledge of Aqaba was a turning point in Islamic history:
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- It provided the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Muslims of Makkah with a safe haven from Quraysh persecution.
- The people of Yathrib demonstrated unwavering commitment, ensuring that the Islamic message had a secure base to flourish.
- This pledge marked the beginning of the Islamic state in Madinah, with Yathrib becoming the Prophet’s future destination during the Hijrah.
With this pledge, the foundation was laid for the establishment of Islam as a political and spiritual force. The commitment of the people of Yathrib was a divine blessing, enabling the Prophet (ﷺ) to continue his mission with newfound support and hope.
The Quraysh’s Plot to Assassinate Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
As the Islamic movement gained strength in Yathrib and more Muslims migrated there, the Quraysh of Makkah grew increasingly anxious. They feared the Muslims in Yathrib would become a formidable threat, potentially disrupting their trade routes to Syria. So they became desperate to stop the migration of the Makkahn Muslims. They began to attack the Muslims along the way and disrupt their exodus. Determined to halt the spread of Islam and eliminate its leader, the Quraysh devised a plan to assassinate the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
The Assassination Plan
The Quraysh leaders decided that all tribes of Makkah would participate collectively in the killing of the Prophet (ﷺ). This way, the Banu Hashim and Banu Muttalib clans, to which the Prophet belonged, would not dare to retaliate against all the tribes simultaneously. Abu Jahl led this conspiracy, and assassins were stationed outside the Prophet’s house, prepared to strike as soon as he stepped out.
The Command of Allah (SWT) for Migration
The end of thirteen years of the Prophethood in Makkah became imminent. Considering the overall situation, the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) realized that Makkah was no more safe for him and the Muslims at all. He was waiting to receive the command of the Almighty Allah (SWT), to migrate. In the meantime, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) had sought permission to migrate. He asked Abu Bakr (RA) to wait as he wanted to accompany him on his migration. As the situation in Makkah became increasingly hostile, Allah (SWT) commanded the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to migrate to Yathrib (Madinah). The Prophet (ﷺ) had already anticipated the Quraysh’s plan to kill him. With divine guidance, he devised a strategy to evade them.
Preparations for the Migration
The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) knew that the Quraysh would soon attack his house and, failing to find him, would chase him. So before leaving, he instructed Hazrat Ali (RA) with the following assignments:
- Hazrat Ali (RA)’s Role:
- The Prophet (ﷺ) left Hazrat Ali (RA) in his house, instructing him to sleep in his bed, wrapped in his cloak.
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- He also entrusted Ali (RA) with the task of returning the trust belongings of the Makkahns that had been kept with the Prophet (ﷺ).
Escape from the House
- The Quraysh assassins surrounded the house, waiting for the Prophet (ﷺ) to emerge.
- The Prophet (ﷺ), by Allah’s (SWT) will, slipped past them unnoticed after throwing a handful of dust toward them, which blurred their vision.
Hazrat Abu Bakr’s Preparedness:
- Since the day of their plan to migrate to Madinah Abu Bakr (RA) had been passing sleepless nights, leaning the door of his house at night awaiting Prophet’s (ﷺ) call.
- He made ready two camels for the journey. He also hired an experienced man named Abdullah ibn Uraykat to show him the way to Yathrib.
- Abu Bakr’s (RA) waiting ended at last when Prophet (ﷺ) knocked on his door at night, signaling the time to depart.
Quraysh Shocked Seeing Prophet (ﷺ) Escaped
As dawn broke, the Quraysh stormed into the house of the Prophet (ﷺ), expecting to find him sleeping. Seeing someone lying under a sheet on his bed, they drew their swords, ready to strike. However, Abu Jahl, considering it dishonorable to attack someone in their sleep, stopped them from doing so immediately.
When the courageous Hazrat Ali (RA) revealed himself from beneath the sheet, the Quraysh were stunned. They realized that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had outsmarted them and successfully escaped. Frustrated and bewildered, they quickly scattered in all directions, desperately searching for him. Their failure to capture the Prophet (ﷺ) marked the beginning of his momentous journey to Madinah, guided by divine protection and accompanied by Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA).
The Journey started toward Madinah
Hiding in the Cave of Thawr
The Prophet (ﷺ) and Abu Bakr (RA) sought refuge in the Cave of Thawr, a small cave near Makkah, to evade their pursuers.
- Divine Protection:
- Allah’s mercy ensured their safety by sending a spider to spin a web over the cave entrance and a pigeon to lay eggs nearby.
- When the Quraysh search party reached the cave, they dismissed it as a possible hiding place upon seeing the undisturbed web and eggs.
- Reassurance to Abu Bakr (RA):
- Hearing the Quraysh searchers close by, Abu Bakr (RA) became anxious for the Prophet’s (ﷺ) safety.
- The Prophet (ﷺ) comforted him, saying: “Do not fear, Allah is with us.”
The contextual verse of the Holy Qur’an as follows:
“If you do not help him (the Messenger), then remember that Allah helped him when the disbelievers drove him out, one of the two, when they were in the cave. Then he said to his companion, “Do not be sad, Allah is with us.” (Surah At–Tawbah, 9:40)
Strategic Planning for the Journey
According to the Researcher Abdullah Alkadi’s detailed map of the Hijra route, indicates that the Prophet (ﷺ) largely avoided the main caravan route along the Red Sea coast.
- The Prophet (ﷺ) and Abu Bakr (RA) avoided the main caravan routes, taking lesser–known paths. to evade pursuers from Makkah
- They traveled during unconventional hours to avoid detection.
- An experienced guide, Abdullah ibn Uraykat, was hired to lead them safely to Yathrib.
- They initially sought refuge in the Cave of Thawr, located south of Makkah.
- They then traveled via a coastal route, guided by a trustworthy guide who was not Muslim.
The Ordeals of Journey
The distance between Makkah and Madinah during the time of the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) migration (Hijrah) in 622 CE, was approximately 450 kilometers (or about 280 miles). This journey was made mostly on foot or by camel, taking a southern detour through rugged terrain to avoid detection by the Quraysh.
After three days in the Cave of Thawr, the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companion, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), became ready to continue their journey. Their guide, Abdullah ibn Uraykat, arrived with two camels. Asma (RA), Abu Bakr’s daughter, also came with provisions to see off them.
Their journey to Yathrib (Madinah) was fraught with challenges. They traveled cautiously, choosing a long and unfamiliar route to avoid detection. The grueling journey across the scorching desert, guided by stars at night, lasted eight days.
The Quraysh’s Failure to Capture Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
The Quraysh intensified their search for Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), announcing a large reward for his capture. This offer stirred greed among the nomadic tribes, turning them into potential threats. But despite all cautionary steps, someone saw Prophet’s (ﷺ) caravan. Through this person, Suraqah ibn Malik ibn Ju’shum came to know about the news. Enticed by the reward, he pursued them on horseback. However, as he approached, his horse repeatedly stumbled, its hooves sinking into the sand. Interpreting this as a divine warning, Suraqah abandoned his pursuit and turned back. Thus all their efforts were in vain to capture him.
- Stopover at Quba Village of Yathrib: Finally, they reached the outskirts of Yathrib. News of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) arrival spread rapidly, bringing immense joy to the people. Before entering the city, he stopped at Quba, a nearby village, and stayed for four days. There, he laid the foundation of the Quba Mosque and prayed there.
- Awaiting People of Madinah: Now it was the turn of the people of Madinah to wait for him to enter the city. Every morning, the people of the city stood on high places and looked out at the road, eagerly awaiting his arrival. Finally, from Quba he set out for Madinah. On the way, he offered Friday prayers.
The Successful End of the Journey
The people of Yathrib eagerly awaited his arrival, climbing to vantage points each morning to watch the road. When he finally set out for the city, he was met with unprecedented enthusiasm. Men, women, and children lined the streets, offering a warm and heartfelt welcome. Those who had already embraced Islam but had not yet seen the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) with their own eyes were very much enthusiastic.
Thanking Allah (SWT) for their safe arrival, the Prophet (ﷺ) entered the city, which was henceforth known as “Madinah–un–Nabi” (City of the Prophet). Later, the Islamic calendar, the Hijri, was established to commemorate this migration during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RA).
The Prophet’s (ﷺ) Home at Madinah
The Prophet (ﷺ) declined invitations to stay in any particular home, instead allowing his camel to choose the location. The camel stopped on a piece of land owned by two orphan boys, Sahl and Suhayl. The Prophet (ﷺ) purchased the land at a fair price and began the construction of a mosque and his residence.
During the construction of Masjid–e–Nabawi, the Prophet (ﷺ) worked alongside his companions, emphasizing simplicity and humility. The mosque’s roof was partially covered with palm leaf thatch, while the rest remained open. Adjacent to the mosque was a modest home for Ummul Mu’minin Aisha (RA), which later became the Prophet’s (ﷺ) final resting place.
Significance of the Migration (Hijrah)
The migration to Madinah was a pivotal moment in Islamic history as it became the spiritual and administrative center of Islam:
- marking the beginning of a new chapter in Islamic history,
- marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar,
- establishing Madinah as the first stronghold of Islam.
The unwavering faith, strategic planning, and divine intervention throughout this journey highlight the resilience of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers in the face of immense adversity.