The Islamic New Year & the Hijrah
Why Our Calendar Begins with a Journey, Not a Birth
"If you do not help him, indeed Allah has helped him already, when those who disbelieved drove him out — he had only one companion. The two of them were in the cave, and he said to his companion: 'Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.'"
— Surah At-Tawbah 9:40
As we enter a new year on the Islamic calendar, it's worth pausing to reflect on a remarkable fact: the Islamic calendar does not begin with the birth of the Prophet ﷺ, nor with the first revelation, nor with a great battle or victory. It begins with a journey — the Hijrah, the migration from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE.
This choice was not made by the Prophet ﷺ himself, but by the companions during the time of Umar (RA), years after the event. And the reason behind it carries a lesson for every Muslim, in every age, as they begin a new year.
🌿 Why the Hijrah, and Not Another Event?
During the reign of Umar (RA), the Muslims needed a unified dating system for letters and records. Various suggestions were put forward — the birth of the Prophet ﷺ, the year of the first revelation, even the year of his death. Umar (RA) and the companions chose instead the year of the Hijrah.
Why? Because the Hijrah was not simply an escape — it was the moment the message of Islam moved from being preached to being lived. In Makkah, the Muslims were a persecuted minority, unable to establish their faith openly. In Madinah, for the first time, a community was built on the foundations of the Quran and Sunnah — with a mosque, a justice system, a brotherhood between Muslims of different backgrounds, and treaties with neighbouring tribes.
The Hijrah marks the point where Islam became not just a private belief, but a way of life with structure, community, and purpose. This is why our calendar begins there — not with a miracle, but with an act of sacrifice, trust, and the building of something new.
🌙 The Night That Changed History
The Quraysh had plotted to kill the Prophet ﷺ — a man from every clan would strike together so that no single tribe could be blamed for his blood. On the night the plan was to be carried out, the Prophet ﷺ left his home quietly, leaving Ali (RA) to sleep in his place. He recited verses from Surah Ya-Sin and walked past the armed men waiting outside — Allah had veiled their sight.
He made his way to Abu Bakr's (RA) house, and together they hid in the Cave of Thawr for three days while search parties combed the hills around Makkah. At one point, the Quraysh stood at the very mouth of the cave. Abu Bakr (RA) trembled — not for his own life, but for the Prophet's ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ placed his hand on his shoulder and spoke the words immortalised in the Quran: "Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us."
From there, they travelled by an unusual southern route to avoid pursuers, finally arriving in Madinah after eight days — to a welcome unlike anything seen before, with the people of Madinah singing songs of joy as their new community was born.
Suraqa's Pursuit: Among those who chased after the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) was Suraqa ibn Malik — tempted by the huge reward offered for the Prophet's ﷺ capture. As he closed in, his horse's legs sank into the sand. He tried again — the same happened. Suraqa realised he could not overcome this man, and called out asking for safety, even requesting a written guarantee — which the Prophet ﷺ later honoured. Suraqa eventually accepted Islam himself.
💚 Lessons for Beginning a New Year
1. Trust in Allah does not mean inaction. The Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) took every precaution — a hidden route, a cave, a trusted guide. Yet their hearts remained anchored in tawakkul. True trust in Allah works alongside effort, not instead of it.
2. Leaving behind what is comfortable can be the beginning of something greater. The Muslims left their homes, their businesses, and the city of their birth — and in Madinah, built the first Islamic society in history. Sometimes growth requires letting go of what feels safe.
3. A new year is a chance for a fresh start. Just as the Hijrah marked a turning point — from persecution to community, from hiding to building — the new Islamic year is an opportunity to leave behind old habits that don't serve our faith, and to build something better: more consistent prayer, more Quran, more good character, more connection to Allah.
4. Companionship in faith matters. Abu Bakr (RA) did not let the Prophet ﷺ face that journey alone. As we begin this year, who are the people helping us grow closer to Allah — and who might we help in turn?
As we begin this new year, may Allah grant us the trust of the Prophet ﷺ, the loyalty of Abu Bakr (RA), and the wisdom to leave behind anything that distances us from Him. May this year be filled with growth, sincerity, and closeness to our Creator.
آمين — Ameen