HIJRA OF PROPHET

MUHAMMAD (S.A.W) :

A TEMPLATE FOR STRATEGIC

PLANNING

DR. ABDUSSALAM YUSUF

Timeline to the Hijrah
• 610 CE (13 BH): Revelation

• 615CE (7BH): 1st asylum to Abyssinia

• 616CE (6BH): 1st asylum to Abyssinia

• 616 CE(6BH): The boycott

• 619 CE (3BH) : The exploration to Taif

• 621CE(1BH): first pledge of al-ʿAqaba

• 621 CE (1BH):Mus'ab bin `Umayr went to medina as the prophet envoy and teacher

• 622CE(1H): 2nd Pledge of al-’Aqaba

• 622CE(1H): the Hijra

 Communication the Permission to migrate

• The Prophet (s.a.w) told Abu-Bakr(r.a) to prepare two camels for the hijra
but the specific date was not known. He prepared and fatten them with
extra food, water to save some calories for the journey

• He employed the service of Abdullah ibn Uraiquit a desert routes expert as a

guide for the journey. He followed the religion of Quraish. Aisha (r.a) said,
“Prophet Muhammed and Abu Bakr trusted him and gave him their two she-
camels and took his promise to bring their two she-camels to the cave of the
mountain of Thawr after three nights, in the morning.
 3 Night Stay in Cave Thawr

• The permission to emigrate eventually came and in Rabiul Awal, at the appointed
date the Prophet(s.a.w) and Abu Bakr(r.a) left Mecca the cover of the night having
asked Ali(r.a.) to sleep on his bed. The went to Cave thar south of Mecca and
remained hidden in the cave for 3 nights.

• During this period,

• Abu Bakr’s son, Abdullah, come at nights with situation report from Mecca
• Abu Bakr’s bondsman, Amir bin Fuhayra would graze Abu Bakr’s goats near the cave so that
both men could drink fresh milk. Early the next morning Amir would drive the goats back to
Makkah along the same route that Abu Bakr’s son took, to obscure his footprints.
Heading out to Madinah
• After three days when they learnt that the search by the Quraysh had reduced they left the cave and
headed towards Yathrib (Madinah).

• Asma the daughter of Abu Bakr came to them bringing food for the journey. When they were about
to start she could find nothing to tie it to their saddles and so she undid her waistband, tore it in two,
wore half and tied the food with the other half. This ready solution won her praise from the Prophet
who also named her ‘She of the two waistband’. And after that the Muslims knew her by that name.

• Setting out from he cave, 'Amir bin Fuhaira and the guide went along with
them, the guide leading them along the sea-shore.” [related by Al-Bukhari].
 Suraqa bn Malik
• The makkan leadership had announced a bounty of 100 camels for any one that can bring the prophet(s.a.w) to them.

• Suraqa ibn Malik was able to follow Prophet Muhammed’s and his companions’ footprints in the desert, as he was trained
in such matters.

• or anyone who tracked them down. Suraqa ibn Malik was a skilled tracker, and sought to pursue them and collect the
bounty.

• He succeeded in finding the travelers, but as soon as he caught sight of them, but as he got closer his horse became
mired in deep sand.

• As he was within bow-range of the Prophet and Abu Bakr, he attempted to fire an arrow at them, but as he did his hands
suffered from paralysis. He cried out, "O The Prophet (s.a.w), pray for me in order that my mare could get out of this
mess. I promise I will retrace my steps and give up the pursuit."

• After repeated attempt Suraqa then declared that islam would prevail one day. As he began to return to Makka, the
Propet (s.a.w) told him that he would one day wear the bracelets of Khusrow II of Persia.
 Arrival in Madina
• After eight days’ journey, the Prophet(s.a.w) entered the outskirts of
Medina, but did not enter the city directly. He stopped at a place
called Quba, some miles from the main city, and established a mosque
there.

• After a fourteen-days stay at Quba, the Prophet (s.a.w) started for

Medina, participating in his first Friday prayer on the way, and upon
arriving the city to the joyous reception of the companions.
 The Hijrah as a Strategic Planning Template

• Hijrah, the migration of Prophet The Prophet (s.a.w)(s.a.w) from Mecca to

Medina, holds valuable lessons for strategic project planning and risk
management.
 Assessing and managing risks
▪ Before embarking on the journey, the Prophet (s.a.w) assessed the risks involved in
staying in Mecca, where the early Muslim community faced persecution.
▪ He advised the weaker one without family protections to migrate first to Abyssinia

▪ Diplomatic breakthrough at the Pledge of Aqaba

▪ Allowed his followers to move to medina ahead of him

▪ In risk management, it is essential to identify potential risks, evaluate their impact

and likelihood, and develop strategies to mitigate or respond to them.
 Using the Right Resource
• Mus’ab (ra) stayed in the house of the chief of the Hazraj tribe, As’ad b. Zurara (ra),
who is regarded as the first Muslim in Medina. With his help and support, Mus’ab
(ra) won many converts to Islam both from the Aws and the Hazraj tribes, some of
them prominent personalities such as the Aws leaders Usayd b. Hudayr (ra) and Sa’d
b. Mu’az (ra))

• The two organized and planed the meeting at Aqaba, Mus’ab spent three months in
Mecca after the Pledge and subsequently returned to Medina, his main place of duty.
Mus’ab continued his efforts to spread Islam in Medina, still working with As’ad b.
Zurara, until the Prophet (saw) himself emigrated to the city
Strategic planning and contingency
▪ The Prophet (s.a.w) formulated a comprehensive plan for the migration, including
selecting the right companions, timing the journey, and identifying safe routes. This
demonstrates the importance of strategic planning in projects. Project planners should
anticipate potential challenges, develop contingency plans, and adapt to changing
circumstances to ensure project success.
 Building alliances and teamwork
▪ The Prophet (s.a.w) formed alliances with various tribes in Medina, creating
a supportive network upon arrival. In project planning, building alliances
and fostering teamwork is crucial. Collaborating with stakeholders,
developing partnerships, and engaging a skilled team can enhance project
outcomes and mitigate risks.
 Communication and stakeholder management
• The Prophet (s.a.w) effectively communicated his plans to the early Muslim
community gaining their trust and support. Clear and transparent
communication is vital in project planning. Regularly updating stakeholders,
addressing their concerns, and ensuring a shared understanding of project
goals and objectives helps manage expectations and reduce risks.
 Using the right resource: Mus’ab ibn Umayr
• Mus’ab ibn Umayr. He was the first Muslim to be sent by the Prophet The Prophet (s.a.w) with a Da’wah mission. He was sent
to Madinah when there were a handful of Muslims there, and when he came back to Makkah, he had seventy Muslims with him
eager to pledge allegiance to the Prophet.

• Imagine a young man, the heartthrob of Makkah. You can tell by the scent of perfume that he has passed by this road. The
most handsome, the best dressed, pampered by his mother, he had every comfort that was available in that city at that
time. Historians of the past have described him as ‘the most charming of the Makkans

• He went with twelve people and came back with seventy. That itself is the proof of his success by the permission of Allah

• Strong Personality

• Patience

• Knowledge and Wisdom

• Gentleness

• Bravery
 Flexibility and adaptability:
• The Hijrah faced unforeseen challenges, including hostile encounters and
unexpected events. The ability to adapt and make strategic decisions based
on the evolving circumstances was critical. Similarly, project planning
requires flexibility and adaptability to address unexpected risks, adjust
timelines, and modify strategies as needed.
 Long-term vision and sustainability:
• The migration to Medina marked a turning point in the development of
Islam, establishing a thriving community that eventually spread across the
Arabian Peninsula. This long-term vision ensured the sustainability and
growth of the movement. Project planning should also consider long-term
goals, sustainability, and the impact beyond the immediate objectives.
 Identifying Risks
• The Prophet (s.a.w) and his followers faced significant risks in Mecca,
including persecution and violence. Recognizing the risks they faced and the
potential harm to their mission, they decided to migrate to Medina. This
highlights the importance of identifying and understanding the risks
involved in any endeavor.
 Assessing Risk Impact
• The Prophet (s.a.w) and his followers carefully evaluated the potential
consequences of staying in Mecca versus undertaking the Hijra. They
recognized the potential dangers but also understood the potential benefits
of moving to a more supportive environment. This emphasizes the need to
assess the potential impact of risks on the overall goals and objectives.
 Developing Contingency Plans
• The decision to migrate was not impulsive but rather a strategic move to
mitigate risks. The Prophet (s.a.w) established agreements and alliances
with local tribes in Medina, ensuring a safer environment for his community.
This demonstrates the importance of developing contingency plans and
building alternative strategies to minimize risk exposure.
 Collaboration and Support
• The Hijra involved a collective effort by The Prophet (s.a.w) and his
followers. They worked together, supported each other, and formed
alliances with the people of Medina. This highlights the significance of
collaboration and seeking support from others when dealing with risks. A
strong support network can provide valuable resources and assistance
during challenging times.
 Timing and Execution
• Timing and Execution: The Prophet (s.a.w) carefully planned the timing of
the Hijra, taking into account the movements of his adversaries and
ensuring a favorable opportunity. This emphasizes the importance of timing
and executing risk management strategies effectively. Proper planning and
execution can increase the likelihood of success and minimize potential
risks.