The Hijra of the Soul

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and our religion call us to be reflective, thoughtful individuals. In all matters, the Prophet ﷺ looked for signs of Allah’s guidance and presence. In one of his profound reflections, he said:

“Time has completed its cycle and has returned to its state when Allah created the heavens and the earth. The year consists of twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive—Dhu al-Qi‘dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, and Muharram—and Rajab of Mudar, which comes between Jumāda and Sha‘bān” (Bukhari & Muslim). This powerful hadith reminds us of time’s unceasing flow—constant, irreversible, and governed by the divine order with perfect precision.

The Hijri calendar itself was established during the rule of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), in the 17th year after Hijra. Though the Prophet’s ﷺ migration occurred in Rabi’ al-Awwal, the companions agreed to begin the calendar with Muharram. It was chosen not for historical accuracy but for symbolic depth: Muharram follows Dhul Hijjah, the month of Hajj, and marks a spiritual renewal—a new chapter for the Ummah.

The Hijra was not just a change in geography; it was a transformation of the heart. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hands others are safe. And a Muhajir is the one who leaves behind what Allah has forbidden” (Bukhari & Muslim).

Before the body migrates, the soul must first turn toward Allah. Hijra begins by abandoning sin and walking the path of sincerity and submission.

The companions knew this firsthand. They faced years of persecution in Mecca—yet stood firm in faith, resisting a society rooted in injustice and idolatry. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ gave them hope with the promise:

“You will never leave something for the sake of Allah, except that He will replace it with something better” (Musnad Ahmad).

This is no empty phrase. It is a divine truth. Abu Bakr (RA), Sohaib al-Rumi (RA), and others left behind family, wealth, and safety—all for the sake of Allah, trusting that what awaited them was far greater.

Allah says:

“That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous” (Quran 28:83).

The Hijra of the Prophet ﷺ teaches us that real success is not in status or comfort, but in aligning our lives with the principles of faith, justice, and truth. Let us make our own Hijra—away from sin, toward Allah. May we live with sincerity, reflect deeply, and strive to become people of purpose.

By Imam Basheer Abdeen