Hejira, noun: (pronounced hi-JY-ruh)
1. In Islamic history, the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD, which marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar and the establishment of the first Islamic state. The Hejira is considered a pivotal event in Islamic history, representing a shift in power and serving as a basis for the development of Islamic law and principles. It is a revered and significant historical event for Muslims worldwide.
2. A term used in English to describe any journey or migration undertaken for religious, political, or personal reasons, often to escape persecution or seek a new beginning. This more general usage of hejira is influenced by the historical significance of Muhammad's migration. The term is often applied to movements or journeys that involve sacrifice or hardship and convey a sense of escape, exile, or emancipation.
3. (Music) The title of a critically acclaimed album by Joni Mitchell, released in 1976. The album, inspired by Mitchell's travels and the people she met along the way, combines various musical styles, including folk, jazz, and world music. The term "hejira" in this context represents a personal journey, both in physical and emotional terms.
Overall, the term "hejira" embodies the notion of a transformative journey, be it historical, personal, or metaphorical, carrying with it connotations of seeking a new life, freedom, and spiritual growth.
