Pronunciation: [hɛd͡ʒˈi͡əɹə] (IPA) 
Hegira is a word often spelled with various combinations of letters such as hijrah and hijra. The correct spelling is hɛˈdʒɪrə, which is derived from Arabic. The word refers to the journey that the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, took from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. It also signifies a new beginning, a fresh start or the onset of a new era. In modern-day usage, the word is associated with migration or escape from a place of danger.
Hegira is a noun that refers to the migration or journey of the Islamic prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in the year 622 AD. This event marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar and holds great significance in Islamic history and theology.
Derived from the Arabic word "hijra," meaning "emigration," hegira symbolizes a crucial turning point for the early Muslim community. Muhammad and his followers faced intense persecution in Mecca due to their monotheistic faith, which challenged the polytheistic traditions prevailing in the city. To escape these hostilities, Muhammad and approximately 200 of his followers embarked on a momentous journey to Yathrib, later renamed Medina. This migration preserved the nascent Islamic faith, allowing it to flourish and establish a new cohesive community.
The concept of hegira extends beyond its historical context and encompasses themes of emigration, departure, and transformation. It signifies a break from the past, a migration towards a new beginning, and the resilience of faith in the face of adversity. In broader terms, hegira can also be used metaphorically to describe any significant and transformative journey or migration undertaken by individuals or communities.
Hegira holds deep cultural and religious significance, particularly to Muslims worldwide, serving as a historical point of reference and a symbol of perseverance, faith, and the potential for growth and change.
The Mohammedan era dated from 16th July, A. D. 622, being the date of the flight of Mohammed from Mecca; any flight or exodus.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "hegira" (also spelled hijra) is derived from the Arabic word "hijrah" (هِجْرَة), which means "migration". It specifically refers to the migration of the Islamic prophet Muhammad from Mecca to the city of Medina in 622 CE. This event is considered significant in Islamic history as it marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and the establishment of the first Islamic state. The term "hegira" is commonly used in English to refer to any significant emigration or departure.
