The Prophet Muhammad and the Hijrah
The Prophet Muhammad and the Hijrah covers how Muhammad began preaching Islam in Mecca, faced persecution from merchants fearing disruption to idol worship trade, and fled to Medina in 622 C.E.—an event called the Hijrah that marks year one of the Islamic calendar. In Pengi Social Studies (Grade 7), Chapter 2: The Islamic World, students learn how this migration enabled Muhammad to unify the Arabian Peninsula under Islam.
Key Concepts
In this bustling trade environment, a merchant named Muhammad began preaching a new message of monotheism —belief in one God. He taught that there is no god but God (Allah) and that people are equal in His sight. This message of Islam threatened the wealthy merchants and tribal leaders of Mecca, who feared it would disrupt their authority and the profitable pilgrimage trade to the idols.
Facing persecution, Muhammad and his followers fled Mecca in 622 C.E. and traveled to the city of Medina . This migration is known as the Hijrah and marks the first year of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad united the feuding tribes into a single community of believers. By the time of his death, he had unified most of the Arabian Peninsula under the banner of Islam.
Common Questions
What was the Hijrah and why is it important?
The Hijrah was Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 C.E. after facing persecution. It marks the first year of the Islamic calendar and was a turning point that allowed Muhammad to build a unified Muslim community.
Why did Muhammad leave Mecca?
Muhammad's message of monotheism threatened the wealthy merchants and tribal leaders of Mecca who profited from pilgrimage trade to the Ka'bah's idols. Facing persecution, he and his followers fled to Medina.
What is Islam and who founded it?
Islam is the religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad, based on monotheism (belief in one God, Allah) and the principle that all people are equal before God. Muhammad began preaching in Mecca in the early 600s C.E.
Where is the Prophet Muhammad and the Hijrah covered in Grade 7 social studies?
This topic is covered in Pengi Social Studies (Grade 7), Chapter 2: The Islamic World.