Arabic · noun · Nation, Faith & Society

Hijrat

हिजरत
said hij-rat
also written: hijra, hijrat, hegira
Meaning

Migration, especially the leaving of one land for another; the Prophet's emigration from Mecca to Medina.

Literally: migration; emigration

Usage & notes

The migration of the Prophet from Mecca to Medina, the founding event of the Muslim community and the start of its calendar; by extension, any migration for the sake of faith and a forsaking of what holds one back. Iqbal draws on the hijra as a symbol of decisive movement and renewal — the believer's readiness to leave behind a corrupt or constricting order to build a new life of faith.