Mauao Man

Muhammad: The Man, The Myth, The Messenger

Part 4: Muhammad’s Search for Allies and the Hijra to Medina (622 AD)

Introduction: A Prophet in Danger

By 619 AD, Muhammad’s situation in Mecca had become desperate. His beloved wife Khadijah had died, leaving him without his greatest supporter. Shortly after, his uncle Abu Talib, who had protected him from the hostility of the Quraysh, also passed away. The new leader of the Banu Hashim, Abu Lahab, was openly hostile to Muhammad.

With no protection from his clan and increasing persecution from the Quraysh, Muhammad faced a choice: find new allies or see his mission destroyed. His search for support led him beyond Mecca — first to the city of Ta’if, and eventually to a dramatic decision that would change the course of history — the Hijra (Migration) to Medina.

1. The Failed Mission to Ta’if (620 AD)

1. Seeking Support Among the Thaqif Tribe:

With his position in Mecca becoming impossible, Muhammad looked for support in the nearby city of Ta’if, a prosperous settlement about 100 km southeast of Mecca.
Ta’if was home to the Thaqif tribe, a wealthy and influential clan known for their dedication to the goddess Al-Lat.
Muhammad traveled to Ta’if with his adopted son Zayd ibn Harithah, hoping to find allies and a place of safety.

2. A Hostile Reception:

Instead of receiving him with respect, the leaders of Ta’if mocked Muhammad:
- They accused him of being a false prophet.
- They ridiculed his message of monotheism.
- They rejected his request for protection and alliance.
The leaders of Ta’if incited the townspeople against Muhammad:
- Crowds gathered and pelted Muhammad and Zayd with stones.
- Muhammad was injured, his feet bleeding as he was driven out of the city.
- Zayd attempted to shield Muhammad with his own body, suffering injuries himself.

3. The Prayer of Desperation:

As they left Ta’if, Muhammad is said to have prayed to Allah for guidance and protection, expressing his despair:

"O Allah, I complain to You of my weakness, my lack of support, and the humiliation I receive from people. You are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy."
According to Islamic tradition, in his moment of despair, the angel Gabriel appeared with the angel of the mountains, offering to destroy Ta’if for its cruelty.
Muhammad refused, saying:

"Perhaps their descendants will worship Allah alone."

4. The Return to Mecca: A Risky Gamble

Returning to Mecca was dangerous. Without the protection of his clan, Muhammad was at the mercy of the Quraysh.
According to Islamic sources, he sought the protection of a respected Meccan noble named Mut’im ibn Adi, who agreed to guarantee his safety.
Mut’im’s protection allowed Muhammad to re-enter Mecca under his tribe’s protection, a temporary but vital safeguard.

2. The Secret Meetings at Aqabah (621–622 AD)

1. The Search for Allies Beyond Mecca:

Realizing that he would never find security in Mecca, Muhammad began seeking support from other tribes.
During the annual pilgrimage season, when tribes from all over Arabia visited Mecca, Muhammad secretly met with visiting tribes, hoping to find those willing to support him.
Most tribes refused, fearing conflict with the Quraysh.

2. The Ansar of Yathrib (Medina): A Ray of Hope

In 621 AD, Muhammad met a small group of pilgrims from Yathrib (later known as Medina), a city about 450 km north of Mecca.
Yathrib was a city divided by tribal rivalries, particularly between the two major tribes:
- Aws: A powerful tribe, but frequently in conflict with the Khazraj.
- Khazraj: Another powerful tribe, seeking a way to end the constant warfare.
These pilgrims from Yathrib were impressed by Muhammad’s message and saw in him a potential peacemaker.

3. The First Pledge of Aqabah (621 AD):

In a secret meeting at Aqabah, 12 men from Yathrib pledged their support to Muhammad, promising:
- To worship only Allah.
- To avoid theft, adultery, murder, and false accusations.
- To obey Muhammad in what was right.
This agreement became known as the First Pledge of Aqabah.

4. The Second Pledge of Aqabah (622 AD): A New Home

The following year, a larger group of 75 Yathribites (including two women) met Muhammad at Aqabah.
This time, they pledged not only to follow his teachings but to:
- Protect him and his followers as they would protect their own families.
- Defend him against any enemies who threatened him.
This agreement was the Second Pledge of Aqabah, and it marked a turning point — Muhammad now had a new base of support.

3. The Hijra: The Great Migration to Medina (622 AD)

1. The Decision to Migrate:

With the growing hostility of the Quraysh and the promise of protection in Yathrib, Muhammad decided that his followers must leave Mecca.
He instructed his followers to leave in small groups, secretly making their way to Yathrib to avoid detection by the Quraysh.
The Quraysh, realizing that Muhammad was building a new base of power, began plotting to assassinate him.

2. The Assassination Plot and the Great Escape:

The Quraysh leaders plotted to kill Muhammad by having each clan provide a young warrior, ensuring the blame would be shared.
Muhammad, warned of the plot, left his home under the cover of darkness with his closest companion Abu Bakr.
They hid in the Cave of Thawr, south of Mecca, for three days while the Quraysh searched for them.
According to Islamic tradition, a miraculous spider’s web and a pair of pigeons appeared at the cave’s entrance, convincing the Quraysh that no one was inside.

3. The Journey to Medina:

After three days, Muhammad and Abu Bakr made their way north, guided by a skilled tracker named Abdullah ibn Urayqit.
The journey was dangerous, with Quraysh scouts searching for them, but they eventually reached Yathrib.
Muhammad’s arrival in Yathrib was met with celebration, and the city became known as Medina (Madinat al-Nabi — "The City of the Prophet").

4. The Transformation of Medina: A New Community is Born

1. The Constitution of Medina:

Muhammad’s first act in Medina was to establish the Constitution of Medina, a document that:
- Defined the rights and responsibilities of all residents.
- Established a mutual defense pact among Muslims, Jews, and other tribes.
- Declared that all disputes would be settled by Muhammad as the final authority.

2. The Mosque of the Prophet:

Muhammad established the first mosque in Medina, which became the center of religious, social, and political life.
The mosque served as:
- A place of worship.
- A community center.
- A court of law.
- Muhammad’s headquarters.

3. A New Phase of Power:

In Medina, Muhammad was not just a prophet — he was a political leader, a judge, and a military commander.
His following grew rapidly, with converts from among the tribes of Medina and the surrounding areas.

Conclusion: From Persecuted Preacher to Political Leader

The Hijra was not just a migration — it was a revolution. Muhammad went from being a persecuted preacher in Mecca to the leader of a growing community in Medina. He now had a base of power, a loyal following, and the beginnings of a state.

Part 1: Muhammad’s Early Life — From Birth to Marriage (570–595 AD)
Part 2: Muhammad’s Spiritual Journey and the First Revelation (595–610 AD)
Part 3: Muhammad’s Early Preaching in Mecca (613–622 AD)
The Mecca Controversy: Was It Really a Major Trading Hub?
Before Islam: A History of the Middle East (0 AD to 610 AD)

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About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.