Why Islamic Calendar Started from Hijrat and Not the Day Revelations Started? Does This Mean Islam Is a Political Ideology and Not a Spiritual Path to Salvation?

By Md Salim Uddin, New Age Islam 29 July 2023 The Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar, begins from the year of Hijrat (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina. This choice has raised questions regarding why it did not commence from the day revelations started in Mecca. Additionally, some argue that Islam's relegation of pre-Hijrat Meccan verses to the end of the Quran suggests a devaluation of their teachings on co-existence, peace, fraternity, patience, and perseverance. This essay aims to reflect on these questions and explore their implications. The Significance of Hijrat The decision to start the Islamic calendar from Hijrat holds deep historical and symbolic significance for Muslims. The migration marked a critical turning point for the Muslim community and laid the foundation for the establishment of an Islamic state in Medina. The emergence of the Islamic state marked a significant turning point in history, as it gradually evolved and solidified its distinct features across various domains - geographical, social, military, and political. Prior to this pivotal development, Muslims lacked a centralized state or any cohesive political structure that could effectively unite them. By commencing the calendar with Hijrat, Islam acknowledges that its message encompasses both spiritual and worldly aspects. The migration highlights Islam's commitment to establishing just governance and fostering harmonious co-existence among believers. Furthermore, the migration to Medina brought about a new phase in the propagation of Islam. It allowed Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to establish treaties and alliances with various tribes and communities, fostering unity among diverse groups. The Islamic state in Medina became a model for governance based on justice, compassion, and equality. By starting the calendar from this point, Muslims are reminded of the importance of community building and social cohesion. This decision was made at the time of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). He standardized the chronology and made a significant decision to select the year of Hijrah as the starting point, rather than the first revelation of the Qur'an. This choice symbolizes that the Hijrah marked the beginning of Islam as a comprehensive way of life that impacts all aspects of human existence. One question arises: why did Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) choose the Hijrah as the starting point, rather than the first revelation of the Qur'an? According to Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani's Fath Al-Bari, caliph Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) is reported to have made the following remark: “The Hijrah has separated truth from falsehood, therefore, let it become the Epoch of the Era.” According to Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar, there were four significant events in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that could have been chosen as the starting point for the calendar: his birth, the beginning of his mission, his migration (Hijrah), and his death. However, they decided to start the calendar from the Hijrah because it provided a more certain and definitive year. The choice to not use his birth or the start of his mission was due to potential uncertainty regarding the exact year. Additionally, the Shura council did not want to use his death as it would bring about sadness and grief when commemorated. Therefore, the only logical option left was, to begin with the Hijrah. When we look at migration analytically, we find that the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) were very successful in choosing this event to mark the beginning of history. Migration was the ray of light that dispelled this darkness, the relief that came after distress, and the ease after hardship. It distinguished between truth and falsehood, as Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said. It supported the oppressed, comforted the afflicted, and opened the doors of invitation with wisdom and good preaching until Islam reached Persia and Rome. In fact, it paved the way for the beginning of revelation itself, as the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to seclude himself from people and migrate to Cave Hira to worship during nights with odd numbers until revelation descended upon him in this state. And just as it paved the way for revelation to descend initially, it also paved the way for Islam to spread throughout the world. Understanding Pre-Hijrat Meccan Verses Before delving into the argument regarding their relegation, it is essential to understand the context of pre-Hijrat Meccan verses. These verses were revealed during Prophet Muhammad's early years in Mecca when Muslims faced severe persecution from non-believers. Consequently, these verses often emphasize themes such as patience, perseverance, and peaceful coexistence with those who hold different beliefs. The migration marked a transition from the stage of legislative doctrine to the stage of practical legislation in order to achieve the objectives of the final message. Researchers in the history of Islamic legislation have determined that the Meccan stage focused on building and solidifying concepts of the Islamic creed. Therefore, scholars have noticed that one distinguishing feature between the Meccan and Medinan chapters of the Quran is that the verses discussing creed are predominantly Meccan, while those addressing rulings and transactions are mainly Medinan. This is due to the need of the emerging Muslim community in Medina to organize its affairs, individuals, and confront new realities. The Meccan stage was focused on building individuals, while the Medinan stage aimed at building a nation. It also marked a transition from patience and endurance to confrontation, overcoming falsehood, and eliminating it. Critics argue that by placing these pre-Hijrat Meccan verses towards the end of the Quran, their significance is diminished or overshadowed by later revelations. They contend that this arrangement may inadvertently convey a devaluation of their teachings on co-existence, peace, fraternity, patience, and perseverance. However, it is important to note that the order in which verses appear in the Quran does not necessarily reflect their importance or relevance. The arrangement follows a divine plan known only to Allah. Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad received revelations over a period of 23 years and that he arranged them under divine guidance. The Continuity of Teachings It is crucial to recognize that while pre-Hijrat Meccan verses may be placed towards the end of the Quran, their teachings are not invalidated or diminished. On the contrary, they form an integral part of Islamic doctrine and are consistently emphasized throughout the Quran. The principles of co-existence, peace, fraternity, patience, and perseverance are reiterated in various contexts and reinforced by subsequent revelations. The Spiritual and Political Dimensions of Islam It is important to recognize that Islam encompasses both spiritual and political dimensions. The Islamic calendar's association with Hijrat does not diminish its spiritual significance. Rather, it highlights the inseparable connection between faith and worldly matters. Abul Aaʿla Maududi's perspective that Islam is synonymous with the State and primarily a political ideology rather than a spiritual path to salvation contradicts the core principles of Islam. Islam encompasses both spiritual and political affairs. It provides guidance on matters pertaining to personal spirituality, morality, social justice, governance, and the overall well-being of individuals and society. Islam emphasizes the importance of establishing a just and equitable society while also nurturing one's relationship with God. The Holy Quran contains numerous verses that address both spiritual and worldly matters. For instance, verses such as "enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong" (Quran 3:104) emphasize the importance of establishing justice within society. It encourages believers to strive for both spiritual enlightenment and active participation in shaping a just society. Therefore, Abul Aaʿla Maududi's viewpoint fails to capture the comprehensive nature of Islam as it neglects its spiritual dimensions and reduces it to a mere political ideology. URL: https://newageislam.com/the-war-within-islam/islamic-calendar-hijrat-political-ideology-radicals-spiritual-salvation-quranic-verses-/d/130328 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism