The Hijrah: a Re-Evaluation Through Contemporary Histography and Moral Implications

Abstract

Most of the works written by scholars on the Hijrah of the Prophet detailed its significance in establishing the Madinan state, which further led to the efflorescence of Islam from that century up to the present time without examining the moral precepts of modern man. Treating historical events from a purely causative angle often reduces its relevance in addressing modern socioeconomic and political challenges. Besides, a recent chronological assessment of the series of events and persons directly involved in the Hijrah has raised queries on the veracity of the age-long popular perception of the roles played by individuals in the accomplishment of the journey. Identifying these two gaps provides us with the lacuna this work is out to fill. While relying on the rules of historiography, it is essential to determine the reliability of the available Islamic historical sources and scrutinize scriptural provisions that make the Prophet’s life a model for all Muslims. So, migration is not only interrogated as a phenomenon with defining significance to the fortune of Islam but scrutinized to verify the accuracy of the order of events and the roles of individuals on the journey. Its planning and execution are also discussed to unravel the inherent lessons for troubleshooting, strategic planning, security consciousness, spiritual fortification, and peacebuilding as guides in life-changing endeavors.

Keywords: hijrah, historiography, life endeavours, moral precepts

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