What is Hijrah?

Bismillaah

Last Updated 2008-02-08 or Muharram 30, 1429 at 19:19:31
All praise and thanks are due to Allâh. We praise and give thanks to Him. We seek His aid and ask for His forgiveness, and we seek Allâh’s refuge from the evil of ourselves and from our evil actions. Whomsoever Allâh guides then none can misguide him, and whomsoever He misguides then none can guide him. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allâh, alone, having no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger

“Allah Commands us the Taqwa (righteousness, piety) in many verses of Qur’an and one example is as follows:

Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.}  [Quran 3: 102].

Ibn Rajab said: “The complete Taqwa is practicing obligations, avoiding prohibitions and doubts. Doing desirable acts and avoiding undesirable acts is also from Taqwa.

The Definitionof Hijrah

In A Conclusive study on the issue of Hijrah and Seperating from the Polytheists, Husayn bin ‘Awdah Al-Awaayishah writes:

“Al Hajar” (migrating) is the opposite of al wasl (arriving and establishing oneself) .
The words hijrah and and hujrah (both) mean leaving fromone land to another land.

And it states in al-Qaamoos-ul-Muheet:
“The phrase ‘hajara Hajran’ or ‘Hijrraanan’ means that one has cut himself off or seperated from something or someone.  And the noun form of it is Hijrah.”

Some of the Texts related to Hijrah and Seperating from the Lands of Shirk and Disbelievers

“Verily! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (as they stayed among the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for them), they (angels) say (to them): “In what (condition) were you?” They reply: “We were weak and oppressed on earth.” They (angels) say: “Was not the earth of Allâh spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?” Such men will find their abode in Hell – What an evil destination! ^{Except those who were forcibly subdued among men, and the women and children, unable to devise a plan and unaware of the way.  So for such, it is likely that Allah will pardon them; and Allah is Most Pardoning, Oft Forgiving. Whoever migrates for Allah’s cause will find much shelter and abundant capacity in the earth; and whoever leaves his home, migrating towards Allah and His Noble Messenger, and death seizes him, his reward then lies entrusted with Allah; and Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.”}

(Sura an-nisa verse 97-100)

In Tafseer al-Qurtubee, Ibn Al’-Arabee may Allah have mercy on him, said: “The Scholars have divided traveling to different lands into two categories:

1. that which is done as a result of fleeing and 2. that which is done for the purpose of seeking.  The first category is further divided into six types:

1. Hijrah- and that is migrating from a land of war (daar-ul-harb) to a Land of the Muslims.  Land of war is synonymous with the term Daar-ul-Kufr (Land of Disbelief) in that both lands in which the Muslim is forbidden to take residence in, according to the conditions hat will be mentioned later on.  A land of war is any land in which the laws of disbelievers are superior.

2.  Leaving from a land of innovation.  Ibn Al-Qazim said: ‘I heard Imaam Malik say: ‘It is not permissable to reside in a land  where the salaf (predecessors) are reviled.’ This is correct,  for if one is not able to change an evil he must remove himself from it.

Allah says:

“And O listener (followers of this Prophet) when you see those who argue in Our verses, turn away from them until they engage in another topic; and if the devil causes you to forget, then do not sit with the unjust after remembering.”

Sura Al-An’naam: 68

3. Migrating from a land where the unlawful is dominent and widespread, for indeed seeking the lawful is obligatory upon every Muslim.

4. Fleeing away from that which is harmful to ones body.

5.The fear of getting sick in a land where it has an unhealthy atmosphere and leaving from there to a land in which one can walk around freely outside(without getting sick).

6. Fleeing for fear that harm will be inflicted upon ones wealth.”

Imam Al-Aloosee, may Allah have mercy on him, said in his tafsir,  Rooh-ul-Ma’aanee, after quoting Allah’s statement:

“Was not the earth of Allâh spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?”:  Some of the scholars use this ayat as evidence for the obligation performing Hijrah (migration) from the place in which an individual is not capable of establishing his religion.

In al-’ibrah mimmaa Jaa’a bil-Ghazwi wash-Shahaadati wal-Hijrah of Abut-Tayyib Sideeq Hassan (Khaan) Al-Bukhaaree, may Allah have mercy on him said, “This ayat can be used for evidence for the obligation of hijrah on every individual that resides in a Land of Shirk or in a land in which acts of disobedience to Allah are being openly committed.

Allah says:

“Indeed those who accepted faith and left their homes and belongings for Allah, and fought with their wealth and their lives in Allah’s cause, and those who gave shelter and provided help, are the heirs of one another; and those who believed but did not leave their homes – you have no right in their estates until they migrate; and if they seek help from you in the matter of religion then it is your duty to provide help, except against the people between whom and you is a treaty; and Allah sees your deeds. And the disbelievers are the heirs of one another – if you do not do so, there will be turmoil in the land and a great chaos.”

Sura Al-Anfaal: 72:73

Al-Haafidh Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy on him, said in his tafsir: “The meaning of ‘if you do not do so, there will be turmoil in the land and a great chaos’ is: ‘You must disassociate yourelves from the disbelievers and make an alliance with the believers.  If you fail to do so, fitnah will befall the people.’ And that (fitnah) means confusion and intermingling between the believers and the disbelievers. Then there will result from that widespread and overflowing corruption amongst mankind.

Jareer ibn Abdillah (ra) reported:”I gave the oath of allegiance to the messanger of Allah that I would establish the prayer,pay the zakat, give sincere advise to every Muslim and disassociate myself from every disbeliever.”

Abu dawuud authentic

Mu’aawiyah (ra) narrated that Allah’s messenger peace on him, “Hijrah will not cease until repentance ceases (to be accepted).  And repentance will  not cease until the sun rises from the place where it sets (the west).”

In al-’Ibrah mimmaa Jaa’a bil-Ghazwi wash-Shahaadati wal Hijrah, Muhammad bin Ismaa’eel Al-Ameer, may Allah have mercy on him asked the following question concerning the land of disbelief:

‘Is it that which is stated in the interpretations of it found in books- that it is a land in which the disbelieving affairs are openly manifested with out there being any trust or agreement (between subjected disbelievers and dominant Muslims)?’

Reflecting on that question please watch this important documentary on America.
This video was produced by Loose Change. click here (you need to download google video for this second one its worth it).  This is approximately one hour and  twenty nine minutes long and definitely worth watching.  For those of you who do not have fast connection I have this third documentary which is eight minutes long.  This second documentary is same subject but different producer and obviously not as informative as the first one I am offering to you.

Emigrating For the Sake of Allaah:

Allaah (AZ) in His wisdom made emigration (Hijrah) one of the means of increasing one’s provisions. Therefore, it is essential that we understand the meaning of Hijrah for the sake of Allaah.

Scholars said emigration involved leaving the land in which a person cannot properly worship Allaah to a land where it is easier for him to worship Allaah.  It means leaving the lands of disbeliever or of evil people to the land of the Muslims. It is essential for such an emigration to be sincerely for the sake of Allaah and not for the sake of some worldly gain or benefit.

The Prophet said, “All actions are only by intentions and every person will (be rewarded) for what he intended. So, whoever emigrated for the sake of Allaah and His Messenger, then his emigration will be for Allaah and His Messenger.” [Part of Hadeeth in Sahih al-Bukhaari and others]

Scholar said the proof that Hijrah increases one’s Sustenance is in Surah an-Nisaa’ verse 100.  Allaah said:

“He who emigrates (from his home) in the Cause of Allaah, will find on earth many dwelling places and plenty to live by.” [Surah an-Nisaa’, 100]

Tafsir scholar, al-Sa’adii died in 1376 Hijrah said: this verse is encouraging Hijrah, urging to it, and explaining what the blessings and benefits lie in it. For the True One has promised that whoever emigrates in His way, seeking His pleasure, that he will find Muraaghamah and Sa’ah in this world. Muraaghamah is a comprehensive word that implies all of the good of the religion and Sa’ah includes all of the good in this word.  This is because many people presume that Hijrah leads to disunity after unity and poverty after richness and humility after honor, and hardships after ease.  That is not the case for the believer as long as he lives amongst the disbelievers.  His religion will always be deficient. End Quote [Tafsir al-Sa’adii]

Could you imagine doing something sincerely for the sake of Allaah and receive all of the good of the religion and all of the good of this world, Subhan Allaah.

I want to add more about Hijrah from the land of disbeliever to the land of Muslim.  Some scholars said that if we are able to practice our religion without oppression from the non-Muslim or that the Fitnah (trial and tribulation) is not affecting our worship or affecting our family, then we are highly encourage migrating to a Muslim land.  But if we are not able to worship Allaah as He deserved, then migrating is obligatory.

Let us think about this. How many sisters have been harassed about her Hijab and Nikab?

Here is a short film about hijab wearing in Europe eight minutes long.  Here is just one of many more examples of oppresion on hijab in European news.  News about Muslim women wearing hijab in Turkey.   France has banned wearing hijab and other religous dress news article.  Hijab battles around the world news article from sound vision.  Muslim woman banned from swimming pool because of her wearing hijab in united states.  News clip from Good Morning America (very short) about “Westerners offended by the veil (niqaab)”

How many brother are not attending Jumaah because their boss is not letting them leave work to attend Jum’ah prayer?  How many of us do not pray on time because the boss do not wants us to waste his time with prayer.

How about our children, do they know anything about Islam. Here is a documentary on Social Life and Islam.  It is important that the children are culivated in an appropriate Islamic home.  What kind of education are they getting in school?  Is is permisable in Islam for them to attend the school you are sending them too?  Co – education in Islam, three minute documentary.  In many schools Jewish and Christian holidays are accepted but what about Islam in our holiday of Eed?  Many school boards balk at allowing Muslims have Eed off.  Who are their friends and what are they learning living in a non Muslim society? Video blog on parenting advisory: culture vs Islam six minutes long.

Have you thought about what they are waching and learning when with their non Muslim friends?  Have you thought about what negativity is shown on t.v. about Muslims?  Documentary full of the negativity Hollywood puts out against Muslims in movies in which the people get lots of little seeds of doubt and mistrust for Muslims.

There are so much more that we do not think how oppression and Fitnah (trials) affecting our worship and our families by living in the disbeliever land.  If you do not think we are oppressed and the Fitnah (trials) is not greater here than the Muslim land, then think again.  Here is a documentary on the important subject of Islam and Modernism.  Israeli soldiers shooting at anti war activists.  Israel bombing gaza beach killing Palestinian families.  Qana massacre many women and children killed.  The price of war in Lebanon. Israel’s illegal occupation in Muslim world.  Have I show you enough fitnah (trials) or must I bring more?  Have you cried?  Prepare your self for Judgment Day and for the ever approaching day of ad-Dajjal’s terrible fitnahs (trials).  Move to a country that is a good practising Muslim land.

All praise is to Allah who has bestowed upon me much of His mercy over His creation.  It is the Decree of Allah and He does whatever He wills.  There is none worthy of worship but You (Allah), glory is to You. Surely, I was among the wrongdoers.  O Allah , I hope for Your mercy . Do not leave me to myself even for the blinking of an eye (i.e. a moment) . Correct all of my affairs for me . There is none worthy of worship but You.  O Allah , we ask You to restrain them by their necks and we seek refuge in You from their evil.  Allah is sufficient for us and the best of those on whom to depend.  O Allah , Lord of the seven heavens , Lord of the Magnificent Throne , be for me a support against [such and such a person] and his helpers from among your creatures, lest any of them abuse me or do me wrong. Mighty is Your patronage and glorious are Your praises. There is none worthy of worship but You.

“Islam assists the faltering man
in regaining his steps,
when he falls,
it arranges to pick him up,
support him, take care of him
and help him heal”
-unknown

Have you thought about what you can do to help your brothers and sisters in Islam?  Learn the authentic sunnah of our beloved Messenger may Allah exalt him, and practise Islam correctly.  In order for proper practise of Islam to be spread in our communities we must first apply Islam in our selves.  Seek beneficial Islamic knowledge practise it and teach it in your home.  Share the importance of proper islamic knowledge with others politely and correctly in order for a change to come about.  Each one of us is a building block of this ummah and if we each fulfil our obligation to Allah, He in his mercy will wipe this shame and oppression off our faces, insha Allah.  Here are some Islamic reminders we sometimes forget to think about these are very good, masha allah.   Here in Arabic is an authentic Qudsi hadith on gratuity.  Here is the narration:

The Messenger of Allah (swt) told us a parable which illustrates this unique concept of forgiveness. He said, “Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His servant than a person riding a camel in a waterless desert who loses his camel and all his provisions of food and drink which it is carrying. Having abandoned all hope of ever finding the camel, he lies down in the shade of a tree that he happens to come across. While he is resting, he suddenly sees the camel standing right in front of him. He grasps hold of its reins and then, in sheer joy, blurts out, ‘O Lord, You are my Servant and I am Your lord!’ He makes this mistake out of extreme joy” (Al-Bukhari). Imagine how happy this man is on finding his lost camel. Allah (swt), our creator, is even more happier when His slaves lost to sin retraces his steps and finds forgiveness.

Ibn al-Qayyum on A meeting with Allah very beautiful and does indeed help for the eman (faith) to be renewed insha allah.

Many other scholars said migrating to the land of Muslim’s is obligatory.  It does not matter if we are able to worship or not.  Insha Allaah (Allah willing), I will read many Ahaadith that scholars use saying Hijrah is obligatory.  You be the judge if migration to the Muslim’s land is highly recommended or mandatory.

Hadeeth by Yazeed ibn Abdullah, the Prophet (S) said, “Indeed, if you bear witness there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, establish Salaah and give Zakaah and disassociate from the Musrikeen (Polytheists people) and give a fifth from the spoils of war, as well as the Prophet’s share and what is allowed to choose before distribution, you are then secure under the protection of Allaah and His Messenger. [Sahih Hadeeth, authenticated by al-Albaani]

In another narration:

The Prophet (S) said, “I have nothing to do with any Muslim who settles among the polytheist people. They should not be able to see one another’s cooking fires. [Sahih Hadeeth by Abuu Daawuud, at-Tirmidhii, and an-Nasaa’I, authenticated by al-Albaani]

In another narration:

The Prophet (S) said, “Allaah will not accept any action from a polytheist person after becoming Muslim until he leaves the polytheist people for the Muslims.” [Hasan Hadeeth by an-Nasaa’I, authenticated by al-Albaani]

In another narration:

The Prophet (S) said, “Hijrah will not end until repentance ends. And repentance will not end until the sun rises from the west.” [Sahih Hadeeth by Abuu Daawuud, authenticated in al-Irwaa]

In the Noble Qur’aan, interpreted by 3 great Qur’aan scholars from the past, Ibn Kathir, al-Qurtubii, and at-Tabari, Allaah (AZ) says in Surah an-Nisaa’, verses 97-100 about three different kinds of people.  The first people are those who did not want to migrate. Second people are those who want to migrate but not able to and third people are those who migrated. Allaah said in English translation:

Verse 97: Verily! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (as they stayed among the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for them), they (angels) say (to them): “In what (condition) were you?” They reply: “We were weak and oppressed on earth.” They (angels) say: “Was not the earth of Allaah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?” Such men will find their dwelling in Hell – What an evil destination!

Verse 98: Except the weak ones among men, women and children who cannot devise a plan, nor are they able to direct their way.

Verse 99: For these there is hope that Allaah will forgive them, and Allaah is Ever Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving.

Verse 100: He who emigrates (from his home) in the Cause of Allaah, will find on earth many dwelling places and plenty to live by. And whosoever leaves his home as an emigrant unto Allaah and His Messenger, and death overtakes him, his reward is then surely incumbent upon Allaah. And Allaah is Ever Oft­-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Surah an-Nisaa’, 97-100]

Allah Knows Best