What is the significance of the “Hijra” in the Islamic calendar?

What is Hijrat

What marks the start of the Islamic calendar? Unlike many other calendars that begin with a birth or a major world event, the Islamic calendar’s origin story is rooted in a journey. It’s an event that forever changed the fate of the early Muslim community, transforming them from a persecuted group into a unified society. But what was this momentous journey, and why is it so significant that it became the official starting point for an entire faith?

Question: What is the significance of the “Hijra” in the Islamic calendar?

Options are:

  • A. Birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
  • B. Migration to Medina
  • C. First Quran Revelation
  • D. First Mosque in Mecca

Correct Answer is :

B. The migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina

Description:

The Hijra marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

In 622 CE, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his followers migrated to Medina to escape persecution, which led to the establishment of the first Muslim community.

As mentioned in Sahih Bukhari (1:6), the Prophet said, “A person is a Muhajir (emigrant) who gives up all that Allah has forbidden.