Understanding Hijra: A New Islamic Year Reflection
The concept of Hijra holds immense importance within Islam, particularly as we approach the Islamic New Year. This year’s Friday sermon focuses on understanding its deeper meaning and relevance to our lives.
Early Muslims and the Journey of Faith
In the early years of Islam, believers faced relentless persecution, hardship, and boycott from the Meccan pagans. Despite these trials, they remained steadfast in their faith. Eventually, under Allah’s command, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions migrated from Mecca to Medina – an event that later became recognized as the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
What Does Hijra Truly Mean?
Hijra isn’t merely a physical relocation. It represents striving for Allah’s pleasure above all else, turning towards truth, and firmly adhering to it. It’s about distancing oneself from selfish desires and the whispers of Satan, embracing virtuous deeds and noble character. It signifies seeking repentance for sins and finding refuge in Allah’s boundless mercy and forgiveness. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A Muslim is the one from whose hand and tongue other people are safe.” [i] He emphasizes that a muhajir (one who migrates) is someone who abandons Allah’s prohibitions.
The Personal Journey of Hijra
Each of us has a personal journey of hijra to undertake. This requires recognizing our shortcomings, confronting our mistakes, finding peace within ourselves, and heeding the call of our innate nature (fitrah). It’s about remembering our purpose in creation.
The Path of Islamic Migration
For a Muslim, hijra is a journey from arrogance to humility, from anger to compassion, from selfishness to selflessness, from injustice to fairness, and from despair to hope. It’s about avoiding the evils of the tongue – lies, slander, gossip, and backbiting – and embracing truthfulness, brotherhood, and love.
Protecting Ourselves and Future Generations
Hijra involves protecting ourselves and our descendants from misguided ideologies, false beliefs, and incorrect paths, ensuring a life aligned with Islamic values, culture, and traditions. It means avoiding forbidden acts like alcohol, adultery, interest (riba), bribery, hoarding, and black market practices, and contenting oneself with what is permissible.
Upholding Justice and Integrity
Hijra requires abstaining from all sins that violate the rights of others – be it individual or societal – and paying meticulous attention to one’s words, actions, and dealings.
Reflecting on the New Islamic Year
Muslims should reflect upon the meaning and importance of Hijra during this new year, accurately assess their current circumstances, conduct a life audit, and chart a course for the future. It’s crucial to prioritize Islamic brotherhood, unite with one another, and share resources – both material and spiritual.
May this Islamic New Year be an opportunity for smiles on the faces of the oppressed, peace for humanity, strengthening of our unity, togetherness, and brotherhood. We pray to Allah for this outcome.
We conclude our sermon with this verse: “Those who believe and emigrate [in the cause of Allah] and strive in Allah’s way with their possessions and lives have great hope.” [ii]
[i] Bukhari, Iman, 4.
[ii] At-Tawbah, 9/41.