What does Hijrah mean?
The Prophet's ﷺ migration from Makkah to Madinah in 622, the start of the Islamic calendar.
Hijrah explained
After thirteen years of persecution the Muslims left Makkah for Yathrib, which became Madinah, the city. Umar later made the year of the Hijrah the first year of the calendar. Hijrah also means leaving what Allah has forbidden.
Related terms
- Madinahالمَدِينَة
The city of the Prophet ﷺ, where he is buried, the second holiest in Islam.
- Makkahمَكَّة
The holiest city, birthplace of the Prophet ﷺ and home of the Ka'bah.
- Hijri Calendarالتَّقْوِيم الهِجْرِيّ
The Islamic lunar calendar of twelve months, counted from the Hijrah.
- Ansarأَنْصَار
The Helpers: the Muslims of Madinah who sheltered the emigrants.
- Muhajirunمُهَاجِرُون
The Companions who migrated from Makkah to Madinah.
Questions about Hijrah
What does Hijrah mean?
Hijrah (هِجْرَة, Hijrah) means: The Prophet's ﷺ migration from Makkah to Madinah in 622, the start of the Islamic calendar.
How is Hijrah written and pronounced in Arabic?
It is written هِجْرَة and pronounced Hijrah. It is also spelled Hegira, Migration.
Where does Hijrah come from in the Quran or hadith?
After thirteen years of persecution the Muslims left Makkah for Yathrib, which became Madinah, the city. Umar later made the year of the Hijrah the first year of the calendar. Hijrah also means leaving what Allah has forbidden. Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 10.
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