التاريخ : الاثنين 15 يونيو 2026 . القسم : The Message
The Prophet’s Hijra and the Making of Hope in Times of Crises
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds; and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Mohamed (PBUH), and upon his kinship, and all his companions and followers till the Day of Judgment.
The anniversary of the Prophet's hijra (migration) comes to us, in a new Hijri year (1448 AH), to renew the meanings of trust in Allah within the Ummah (nation), faith that the future belongs to this religion, certainty that Allah’s divine laws are immutable and unchanging, and conviction that the best outcome is for the righteous, no matter how severe the trials or overwhelming the hardships.
Although the Hijra appeared outwardly to be a departure from one's homeland, it was, in reality, the birth of a new era of construction and empowerment. It marked the transition of the Islamic da’wa (call) from a state of weakness to the establishment of a community, from the constraints of persecution to the vastness of a universal mission –wherefrom the light of Islam spread across the horizons.
Thus, the Hijra teaches us that crises are not the end of the road; rather, they may become the beginning of great transformations when faith, insight, and properly taking advantage of available means come together.
Despite the challenges facing the Muslim nation today, the reasons for hope remain present. Allah Almighty continues to put into force His divine laws throughout history, preparing the causes of revival in ways that may not be immediately visible.
We nowadays witness a renewed awakening among many young people, a return to the teachings of Quran and Sunnah, growing pride in Islamic identity, and increasing engagement in education, volunteer work, and service to the causes of the nation. Likewise, voices around the world continue to rise in support of justice, human dignity, and rejection of oppression, which emphasizes that the values of truth remain alive within the conscience of humanity.
Thus, the anniversary of the Hijra comes to us – not merely to recall pages from history, but to help us understand our present reality and draw from it the principles of steadfastness, the wisdom of building, and confidence in Allah’s promise, as indeed He does not fail in His promise
From weakness to empowerment
The Prophet’s hijra was not merely a movement from Makkah to Madinah; in fact, it manifested the transition of the Islamic da’wa (call) from a stage of persecution to one of empowerment.
After years of education and preparation, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) established a new society founded upon faith, brotherhood, and consultation (shura) in Madinah, from which the Islamic da’wa expanded to broader horizons. Thus, the Hijra has taught us that great missions require solid foundations capable of preserving and strengthening them within society.
Trust in Allah and taking advantage of necessary means
The Hijra is filled with timeless scenes that embody the meanings of trust in Allah while taking advantage of every available practical measure. Among its most profound moments is the episode of the Cave of Thawr, which remains one of the greatest examples of steadfastness and certainty.
When all worldly means seemed exhausted and danger surrounded the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and his companion Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him), the immortal words were spoken: ﴾…"Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us"…﴿ (Al-Tawbah: 11). These words remain an enduring message to every generation: that Allah’s support is greater than every cause of fear or anxiety, and that the believer never loses hope so long as he places his trust in his Lord while making use of every legitimate means at his disposal.
Support gives rise to great transformations
Among the profound lessons of the Hijra is that great missions are not sustained by sacrifice alone; they also require support, protection, and a nurturing environment.
The early believers migrated by choice in order to preserve their faith and enable their mission when all other avenues had become closed to them. Allah praised them, honored them, and made their migration one of the noblest acts of devotion.
By contrast, forcing people from their homes through oppression and aggression is a crime explicitly condemned by the Quran. Allah Almighty says in Surat Al-Hajj: ﴾ [They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, "Our Lord is Allah."…﴿ (Al-Hajj: 40). He then follows this with His noble promise: ﴾ …And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might. ﴿ (Al-Hajj: 40)
Then came the Ansar (supporters), who opened both their hearts and their homes to the Muhajirin (emigrants), giving preference to them over themselves despite their own needs. Thus, migration met support, and upon that union the first Islamic state was established.
The Holy Quran immortalized this unique model, as Allah Almighty says: ﴾ And [also for] those who were settled in al-Madinah and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful. ﴿ (Al-Hashr: 9)
The Hijrah therefore teaches us that a believer may choose to leave his homeland in order to preserve his faith and fulfill his mission when no other path remains. Meanwhile, it teaches us that remaining steadfast on one's land in defense of property, religion and dignity is a legitimate right, and that supporting the oppressed and providing refuge for the vulnerable constitute both a religious obligation and a civilizational responsibility.
Patience, steadfastness, and the making of victory
One of the greatest lessons revealed by the Prophet’s Hijra is that major transformations are not born in times of comfort but are brought about by believing souls that remain steadfast in their principles and continue their mission regardless of the magnitude of the challenges they face.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) endured persecution, blockade, and expulsion from their homes. Yet their trust in Allah’s promise never weakened, nor did they compromise their message. They understood that great causes can only be carried by believers endowed with patience and perseverance, and that personal safety should never take precedence over fulfilling one's duty.
As the Muslim nation today witnesses imprisonment, persecution, and trials endured by many because of their adherence to their faith or their call for reform, it should remember that this path is not new to Islam. It is the same path walked by the Prophets and their followers until Allah granted them victory and empowerment. Allah Almighty says in Surat Al-Zumar: ﴾…Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account."﴿ (Al-Zumar: 10).
Also, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to instill hope in the hearts of his companions during the darkest moments, saying: (Know that support will come with patience, relief will come with affliction, and hardship will come with ease.)
Toward a renewed rise
Just as the Hijra has taught us patience in the face of adversity, it has also taught us how to transform crises into opportunities for construction and revival.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) combined unwavering faith with careful planning and the proper use of available means. Accordingly, the nation today is in greater need than ever for insight, sound judgment, and an accurate understanding of reality so that it does not exhaust its energies in secondary conflicts.
Therefore, every new Hijri year should become the beginning of a renewed ‘migration’: from despair to hope, from division to unity, from passivity to action, and from waiting for change to actively participating in creating it.
Imam Hassan al-Banna, may Allah have mercy upon him, truly expressed this meaning when he advised the members of his movement in his treatise Between Yesterday and Today:
“Love one another, preserve your bond with utmost care, for it is the secret of your strength and the foundation of your success. Remain steadfast until Allah decides between you and you people in truth, and He is the best of those who give decision.”
Conclusion
The Hijra teaches us that noble causes do not perish because of crises; rather, they perish only when they lose certainty in their mission. Today, the Muslim nation is in greater need than ever to draw inspiration from the spirit and objectives of the Hijra – to renew its faith, strengthen its unity, and continue the path of construction and reform with confidence and hope.
While the Prophet’s Hijra teaches us that a believer may willingly leave his homeland in order to preserve his faith and fulfill his mission, it also teaches us that remaining steadfast on one's land in defense of property, religion, and human dignity is a legitimate right. Likewise, the forced displacement imposed by the occupying power is an act of injustice rejected by Islam and condemned by the Holy Quran.
In this light, the steadfastness, patience, and perseverance of the people of Palestine upon their land represent a shining example of legitimate resilience. Meanwhile, supporting them and standing beside them is a continuation of the spirit of support upon which the first Islamic state was established.
May Allah Almighty make this new Hijri year a year of relief and prosperity for the Muslim nation, to strengthen the people of Palestine and Gaza, to repel aggression against them, to protect them from forced displacement, and to fulfill His promise of victory and empowerment for them. May He make their patience and steadfastness the beginning of a new era of dignity and rise, just as the Hijra marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Muslims.
Allah Almighty says in Surat Al-Imran: ﴾ So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers. ﴿ (Al-Imran: 139)
Allah is the Greatest, and praise be to Allah,
Dr. Salah Abdel Haq
Acting General Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood
(Monday, 29 Dhul-Hijja 1447 AH, 15 June 2026 AD)