The spirit of Hijrah in the new Islamic year Muharram 1446H, symbolizes the journey of faith, resilience, and new beginnings.
1 Muharram or Ma’al Hijrah commemorates a historical moment in Islamic history— the migration of Prophet Muhammad’s SAW from Makkah to Madinah. The hijray symbolizes more than a physical journey but represents a deep commitment to spiritual growth, societal improvement, and the pursuit of a more just and harmonious world. As we welcome the new year, let us take this opportunity to embody the transformative spirit of Hijrah, renewing our dedication to enrich our lives and the lives of those around us in every possible way.
The Deeper Meaning of Hijrah
Just as the butterfly emerges renewed, let us embark on a personal and spiritual growth journey in the new Islamic year.
The Hijrah provides a deeper meaning in all aspects of our lives. It is a metaphor for a transformative journey that every believer can undertake—moving from adversity to opportunity, and from darkness to enlightenment. This migration teaches profound lessons that resonate deeply with our spiritual journey today.
From Adversity to Opportunity
Hijrah shows us that adversity isn’t just a challenge to be endured but a catalyst for growth and change. In the Prophet’s time, the adversity was the persecution of Muslims in Makkah, which led to the migration to Madinah—a place where they could safely live and flourish in their faith. This teaches us that sometimes, the difficulties we face are actually paths leading us to better situations. Whether it’s personal struggles, community issues, or global crises, each challenge can potentially push us toward creating more beneficial environments for ourselves and others.
From Darkness to Enlightenment
The journey of Hijrah is also a movement from darkness—of oppression and hardship—to the enlightenment found in a new home where Islam could be practiced openly and freely. This transition mirrors the spiritual journey from ignorance to knowledge, from sin to repentance, and from despair to hope. Each step away from darkness is a step towards a deeper understanding of our faith and a better practice of it in our daily lives.
A Continual Call for Improvement
We have to remember that our lives are works in progress and that we should continually seek to improve ourselves and our surroundings. This means constantly realigning our actions with the teachings of Islam, which advocate for justice, mercy, integrity, and compassion. It’s about striving not to settle for complacency but to aspire to a higher standard of ethical and spiritual living.
Spiritual Hijrah: Guidance from Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz
Habib Umar bin Hafiz emphasizes the spirit of Hijrah is about a collective journey towards spiritual renewal and growth.
.
Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz, emphasizes the importance of making a spiritual Hijrah. He advises that just as the physical Hijrah was necessary for those early Muslims who couldn’t practice their religion freely, our spiritual journey involves moving away from what Allah has forbidden. This includes not only the clearly forbidden but also what is disliked, dubious, or simply frivolous.
Habib Umar encourages us to scrutinise our hearts and actions as we enter the new year, aiming to cleanse ourselves of anything Allah dislikes. By leaving behind the unnecessary and the harmful, we can focus solely on our relationship with Allah, echoing the journey of Sayyidina Ibrahim who said, “I am making Hijrah to my Lord” (Qur’an 37:99). Similarly, Allah commands us, “So flee to Allah” (Qur’an 51:50), reminding us that our ultimate refuge is with Him.
Applying Hijrah in Our Modern World
In the modern world, applying Hijrah means striving for spiritual growth, life improvements, ethical living, and positive change in our daily lives.
In today’s world, the spirit of Hijrah can guide us through various practical applications. For instance, Muslims can lead sustainability efforts as we confront global environmental challenges. This might involve reducing waste, promoting recycling, or supporting green businesses—actions that reflect our stewardship of the Earth and commitment to Allah’s creation.
Socially, Hijrah can inspire us to tackle inequality and advocate for justice. Whether through supporting community programs, aiding local charities, or advocating for fair policies, these actions help build a more equitable society, reflecting the Prophetic mission to uplift every community member.
On a personal level, improving our health and breaking free from harmful habits like smoking or poor dietary choices are forms of Hijrah. These changes not only honor the Islamic duty to preserve our health but also empower us to serve our communities more effectively.
Transformations Within Our Communities
Make it the intent to make the new Islamic year a time for meaningful discussions and sharing.
Globally, our mosques and Muslim centres are evolving beyond traditional roles. They are becoming vibrant community centers that offer educational programs, social services, and spaces for meaningful connections. This transformation is a vivid example of Hijrah, transitioning from conventional roles to more dynamic, community-focused functions.
Moreover, a new generation of Muslim entrepreneurs is redefining what it means to run a successful business. They are creating enterprises that balance profit with principles, prioritise ethical practices, support charitable causes, and provide valuable services to their communities.
Educational Initiatives and Interfaith Dialogue
Applying Hijrah principles through education and interfaith dialogue to inspire positive change, promote understanding, and foster community unity.
Educational efforts that include weekend schools for Muslim children, seminars for adults on Islamic knowledge, and interfaith dialogue programs represent a form of Hijrah. They help dispel ignorance and foster understanding, providing a platform for growth and harmony within and beyond the Muslim community.
A Time for Reflection, Not Just Celebration
Applying Hijrah principles through education and interfaith dialogue to inspire positive change, promote understanding, and foster community unity.
While the Islamic New Year might traditionally involve some forms of celebration, Hijrah reminds us that it’s also a moment for deep, reflective thought about our past year and the year to come. It’s a time to ponder our spiritual state, evaluate our deeds, and set meaningful goals. Just as the Prophet used the migration as a moment to reshape not just his own destiny but the future of an entire community, we too can use this new year to make impactful changes in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
In this way, Hijrah is not just a historical event to remember once a year; it’s a personal and community-wide call to action. It encourages us to move from passive observance of our faith to active engagement with its deepest values. By embracing the spirit of Hijrah every day, we commit to a life of continuous growth and improvement, seeking always to move closer to the ideals we cherish. As we mark another Islamic New Year, let us reflect on this journey and realign our actions towards our highest aspirations.