1. The background of Hijrat
Some time in the first century of the Christian era, when the Romans expelled the Jews from Palestine, some of their tribes found refuge in Madina. When the migration took place, there was considerable population of them, mostly moneylenders who charged exorbitant rates of interest, because of which they dominated the economic scene in the city. The original residents were of the Aus and the Khazraj tribes who often fought among themselves, and were contend against the growing influence of the Jews. In order to counter balancing the influence of the Jews, the people of Madina invited the Holy Prophet and the Muslims to come and live in their midst.The Jews there had observed that according to their scriptures that was the time for the advent of a new prophet.
At that time the Prophet said to the Muslims: 'In a dream I have been shown your migration place, a land of date palm trees, between two mountains, the two stony tracts.
2. 621 AD Baite Uqba (first).Conversions of some Jews
After the ascension, the Prophet صل الله عليه و على الهى و سلم boldly continued to preach Islam to the Qabailees residing in the outskirts of Mecca. Once he went for this purpose at Mina and met six persons of the Jewish tribe of Khazraj of the city of Yathrib (later called Medina) in the valley of Uqba on way to Arafat. They were influenced and accepted Islam by taking oath on the hand of the Prophet صل الله عليه و على الهى و سلم When they returned home, they spread the news among their people that a prophet had arisen among the Arabs who was to call them to Allah and put an end to their iniquities. Next year, in 11 Nabawi during Hajj session, five amongst them and seven others came and took oath of allegiance to Islam. This was called the Baite Uqba. This oath was worded as the Womens' Oath, though there was no woman, because thereby a man was not obliged to take up arms in defense of the Prophet or his religion. This oath was as follows: "We will not associate anything with Allah; we will not steal nor commit adultery or fornication, nor kill our children (as the pagan Arabs used to do when they apprehended that they would not be able to maintain them), nor forge calumnies; we will obey the Prophet in everything that is reasonable, and we will be faithful to him in well and sorrow." When they had solemnly engaged to do all this, the Prophet sent one of his disciples, Hz. Musab Ibn Umair رضى الله عنه with them to teach them the fundamental doctrines and ceremonies of the religion. Hz.Mus'ab رضى الله عنه having arrived at Yathrib gained several new converts, particularly Hz. Usaid Ibn Khudair رضى الله عنه a chief man of the city, and Hz.Sad Ibn Mu'adh رضى الله عنه prince of the tribe of Aws. Islam spread so fast that there was scarcely a house that did not have some Muslims in it.3. 622 AD. Baite Uqaba (Second)
The opponents had by this time grown much powerful in Mecca. In the third Hajj session, in 13th Nabawi,(622 AD) out of the 500 pilgrims coming from Yethrub, (Medina), Hz. Musab RA returned from Yathrib accompanied by seventy-three men and two women of that city who had adopted Islam, besides others who were as yet unbelievers. They invited the Prophet صل الله عليه و على الهى و سلم to their city.The Prophet met them one night by appointment at Al-Aqaba attended by his uncle Al Abbas. He wished his nephew well though by then was not converted. Al Abbas made a speech to those of Yathrib where in he told them that, as the Prophet Muhammad was obliged to quit his native city and seek shelter elsewhere, and they had offered him their protection, they would do well not to deceive him; and that if they were not firmly resolved to defend and not to betray him, they had better declare their minds and let him provide for his safety in some other manner. Upon their professing sincerity, the Prophet swore to be faithful to them, on condition that they should worship none but Allah observe the precepts of Islam, obey the Prophet in all that was right, and protect him against all insults as heartily as they would their wives and families. They then asked him what would be their return, if they should happen to be killed in the cause of Allah; he answered:' "Paradise," where upon they pledged the oath of allegiance and requested the holy Prophet صل الله عليه و على الهى و سلم to come to Medina along with all the Muslims and establish there. Thus they took oath called Baite Uqba second with the words:- "My blood is your blood, my protection is your protection, I am from you and you are from me, Your enemy is my enemy and your friend is my friend….."
The Prophet then selected twelve men out of their number to act as his delegates. Thus was concluded the second covenant of Al Aqaba. The Yathribites returned home leaving the Prophet to arrange for the journey to their city.
4. 622 Muslims permitted to proceed
As the persecution of the Quraish had gone beyond tolerance, the Holy Prophet asked the Muslims after Baite Uqba II, in 622 C.E.to migrate in Madina, leaving their homes and hearths. They were to leave in batches.The Prophet directed his followers to seek immediate safety at Yathrib, which they accordingly did. In 622 AD., first to go was Hz. Abu Salma Abdullah Ashhal, followed by Hz. Bilal, then by Hz. Ammar Yasir, then Hz. Umar RA. He went openly challenging the Quresh to try and prevent him if they could. He was a trader and had ample amount with him. He accompanied about 20 other muhajirs.
About one hundred families silently disappeared from Mecca and to Yathrib, where they were received with enthusiasm and much hospitality. There was a mosque at Quba and here Umar prayed at the appointed hours.
Some people who had previously migrated to the land of Ethiopia, returned to Medina. Early in September 622 C.E., all males, except the Holy Prophet, Abu Bakr, and Ali, left Makkah for Madina. Hz. Abu Bakr RA. also prepared to leave for Medina, but Allah's Messenger said to him: 'Wait for a while, because I hope that I will be allowed to migrate also.' Abu Bakr said: 'Do you indeed expect this? Let my father be sacrificed for you!' The Prophet said: 'Yes.' So Abu Bakr did not migrate in order to accompany him. He fed two she-camels he possessed with the leaves of As-Samur tree that fell on being struck by a stick for four months.
Finally, all the disciples had gone to Yathrib. The Prophet alone remained at Mecca, keeping with him only his young cousin Hz. Ali , and his devoted friend Hz. Abu Bakr رضى الله عنه. This migration caused a great stir in the Quraish as they feared a great danger in case the Muslims gained strength there.
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