Dear Brothers and Sisters!

On Wednesday, July 19th, the anniversary of the Hijrah, which is one of the turning points in the history of humanity, is celebrated as the Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year. The Hijrah refers to the migration of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the Muslim community of Makkah to Medina. The Muslims who migrated to Medina are called “muhajirun” or migrants. The persecution and hardships inflicted by the Makkan polytheists in their efforts to obstruct the Prophet’s call to monotheism and their mistreatment of the believers led to the Muslims’ decision to migrate. The people of Medina, who embraced Islam and welcomed the Muslims, earned the title of “ansar,” which means helpers, and became one of the greatest pillars in Islamic history. Allah (swt) mentions in the Quran, “Those who believed, migrated, and struggled in the cause of Allah, and those who gave ˹them˺ shelter and help, they are the true believers. They will have forgiveness and an honourable provision.”[1]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his companions received abundant rewards for their migration, which they accepted with the purpose of living and spreading the religion of Allah. The message of Islam spread freely in Medina, and the Muslims’ struggle for the dominance of goodness, righteousness, and beauty was successful. Undoubtedly, this serves as a beautiful example for future generations and times. Today and in the future, Islam and Muslims will strive for the establishment of truth and justice on earth, but they will always face challenges and hardships.

Allah (swt) says, “Those who have believed, emigrated, and strived in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives are greater in rank in the sight of Allah. It is they who will triumph.”[2] By stating this, Allah (swt) has given glad tidings of a great reward to the believers who will continue to migrate until the Day of Judgment, attaining salvation and happiness.

Dear Jama’ah!

The word “Hijrah” is used to mean “migrating from one place to another by leaving a place. However, it also carries the meaning of “linguistically or emotionally distancing oneself from anything.” When we evaluate Hijrah in this second sense, it is the transition from evil to goodness. Hijrah is repenting from sins and never returning to that sin again. In this regard, our Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “ Migration will not end until repentance ends, and repentance will not end until the sun rises in the west.”[3] Hijrah is living a life in accordance with Allah’s command. A Muhajir is one who distances themselves from Allah’s prohibitions and takes precautions. Therefore, we should purify ourselves from our sins before it’s too late. Our Prophet (saw) has said, “After the conquest of Makkah, there will be no more Hijrah to Medina.” However, the Hijrah and Jihad, which signify avoiding Allah’s prohibitions and fulfilling His commands, will continue until the Day of Judgment.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

On the upcoming Islamic New Year, let each one of us assess our lives and the direction we’re heading in. Let us be determined to fulfill our responsibilities towards ourselves, our surroundings and society. Let’s make an effort to fulfill the obligations that Allah (swt) has entrusted upon us. In the coming days, let us strive to further develop the spiritual and moral virtues we possess.

May Allah (swt) make us among the fortunate servants who migrate from evil to goodness and from wrong to right. Ameen.

[1] Surah Al-Anfal, 8:74

^[2] Surah At-Tawbah, 9:20

^[3] Ebû Dâvûd, Cihâd, 2

 

Khutba, Hijri New Year