The hijra was a watershed moment in the history of Islam. The hijra irrevocably changed the economic, civilisational and social fabric of the Arabian Peninsula. It heralded an era where Muslims were no longer an oppressed people, but a people who now had the freedom to shape their future - and by implication the future of humanity. Unsurprisingly, it was the year of the hijra that was chosen as the starting point for the lunar calendar.

Although the decision to leave Makkah wasn’t primarily an economic one, there are still numerous economic lessons we can learn from the migration, or hijra, of Prophet Muhamad ﷺ.

Proper Planning and Adaptability

After leaving his home for migration, the Prophet ﷺ proceeded directly to the house of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه who immediately accompanied him and both set out southwards, clambered up the lofty peak of Mountain Thawr, and decided to take refuge in a cave.

They confined themselves to this cave for three nights. Abdullah, the son of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه would go to see them after dusk, stay the night there, apprise them of the latest situation in Makkah, and then leave in the early morning to mix with the Makkans as usual and not to draw the least attention to his clandestine activities. Amir bin Fuhairah, while in the company of other shepherds of Makkah tending his master Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه’s flock, used to slip away unobserved every evening with a few goats to the cave and furnished its inmates with a plentiful supply of milk. The flock also served to erase the footsteps of the occupants of the cave.

Abdullah bin Uraiquit, who had not yet embraced Islam, but was trusted by Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, and had been hired by him as a guide, reached the cave after three nights according to a plan bringing with him Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه’s two camels that had specially been prepared for the migration. They took with them the food provisions that Asma, daughter of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, brought and tied in a bundle of her waistband, after tearing it into two parts. The Prophet (Peace be upon him), Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه and Amir bin Fuhairah departed, and their guide Abdullah bin Uraiquit led them on an unorthodox, hardly ever trodden way along the coastal route.

Lessons

The first lesson that is evident is that proper planning is integral. We see the intense and intricate preparations Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه made ahead of time in order to ensure a successful migration. We should consider planning an everyday budget, have a retirement plan and set up a will to ensure we have good money management practices in this life and a proper winding up of our estate after death.

The second lesson is that everyday things can be adaptable with little changes and a bit of ingenuity. This can assist us in cutting down unnecessary and wasteful expenditure as it is not only a strain on our budget but also disliked to our Lord. We see this in the example of the shepherd and the belt/waistband of Asma رضي الله عنها.

The third lesson is the importance of viable and trustworthy information. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, at the expense of endangering their chance to escape, still requests his son to bring information to the cave. They also place a significant level of trust on their guide to guide them along an unorthodox path, which was eventually a success. Having correct, up-to-date and reliable information is integral in all money matters. You should consult experts outside of your field of specialisation to ensure you are abreast of changing trends, laws and methodologies. This may save you in the realm of tax, investments and everyday purchases.

Extracts from the Prophetic Biography is adapted from Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar): Biography of the Prophet – by Sheikh Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarkpuri.

Allah Knows Best