Part 16 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Hijrah

Part 16 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) The Hijrah
Part 16 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) The Hijrah

The Quraysh had surrounded his house, swords in hand, determined to assassinate him and put an end to the message of Islam. That night, with unwavering trust in his Lord, the Prophet (PBUH) instructed his cousin, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), to sleep in his bed, wrapped in his green cloak. This act of courage would deceive the Quraysh, giving the Prophet (PBUH) the precious moments he needed to escape.

The streets of Makkah were cloaked in silence as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prepared to leave his home. The Prophet (PBUH) had arranged to meet his close companion, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA).

With the Quraysh in hot pursuit, the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) took an unconventional route to evade their trackers. Instead of heading north toward Yathrib, they moved south and sought refuge in the Cave of Thawr, nestled in the rugged mountains outside Makkah.

The journey to the cave was fraught with danger. Abu Bakr (RA), ever vigilant, scouted ahead to ensure the path was safe. Upon reaching the cave, he insisted on entering first to clear it of any potential threats. Once satisfied, he invited the Prophet (PBUH) inside.

Meanwhile, the Quraysh intensified their search. A substantial reward was offered for the capture of the Prophet (PBUH), dead or alive. The pursuit led them to the very mouth of the Cave of Thawr.

Inside, Abu Bakr (RA) was filled with anxiety. “O Messenger of Allah,” he whispered, “if they look down, they will see us.”

The Prophet (PBUH), serene in his faith, replied,
"Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us." (Surah At-Tawbah 9:40).

Allah’s protection was manifest. A spider had spun its web across the entrance, and a pair of pigeons had nested nearby, making it appear as though no one had entered the cave for months. Fooled by these signs, the Quraysh moved on, and the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) remained safe.

After three days in the cave, the danger subsided, and the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) resumed their journey. They had arranged for a skilled guide, Abdullah ibn Urayqit, to lead them along hidden paths to Yathrib.

The path was arduous, winding through barren deserts and rocky terrain. The scorching heat by day and the biting cold by night tested their endurance. Yet, their faith remained steadfast. Along the way, they experienced moments of divine intervention, one of which involved Suraqah ibn Malik.

Lured by the Quraysh’s reward, Suraqah pursued the Prophet (PBUH) with the intent to capture him. As he closed in, his horse stumbled and sank into the sand repeatedly. Recognizing the hand of Allah, Suraqah sought forgiveness and pledged to protect the Prophet (PBUH) if given the chance. The Prophet (PBUH) forgave him and even prophesied that Suraqah would one day wear the gold bracelets of the Persian emperor—a prophecy fulfilled years later.

After days of travel, the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) reached the outskirts of Yathrib, stopping first at Quba. The small settlement welcomed them with open arms, overjoyed to host the Messenger of Allah.

Here, the Prophet (PBUH) laid the foundation of Masjid Quba, the first mosque in Islam. It became a symbol of worship and community, setting the tone for the unity that would define the Muslim Ummah.

News of the Prophet’s (PBUH) arrival spread quickly. The people of Yathrib eagerly awaited him, lining the streets to welcome him.

As the Prophet (PBUH) entered the city, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The people of Medina, came out in throngs to welcome him. They had heard of his character, wisdom, and compassion and eagerly awaited his leadership.
As he entered the city, children sang: "Tala’ al-Badru ‘alayna"

The Prophet’s camel, stopped at a specific location by Allah’s command, signaling where he would stay. This site belonged to two orphan boys, who, out of respect and love for the Prophet (PBUH), offered it as a gift. However, the Prophet (PBUH) insisted on purchasing it, paying a fair price. This plot of land would soon become the foundation for the first mosque in Medina, Masjid al-Nabawi, and a symbol of unity and worship for the Muslim community.

Initially, the Prophet (PBUH) was hosted by Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (RA), a devout Muslim from the Ansar. Abu Ayyub and his family were honored by the presence of the Prophet (PBUH) in their home. They rearranged their lives, placing the Prophet (PBUH)’s comfort above their own.

Abu Ayyub offered the upper floor of his house for the Prophet (PBUH), but the Prophet (PBUH) chose the ground floor to make it easier for visitors to meet him. Abu Ayyub felt uneasy about staying above the Prophet (PBUH), but the arrangement continued out of the Prophet’s (PBUH) kindness and practicality.

One of the Prophet’s (PBUH) first acts in Medina was to lay the foundation for Masjid al-Nabawi. The community, driven by faith and unity, came together to construct the mosque. The Prophet (PBUH) himself participated in the work, carrying bricks and mortar alongside the companions.

The mosque was more than a place of worship; it became the heart of Medina’s Muslim community. It served as a center for education, governance, and social gatherings, embodying the values of equality, justice, and brotherhood.
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