How to Pronounce Hijra

Meaning and Context

The Hijra, occurring in the year 622 CE, denotes the pivotal and perilous migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his early followers from Mecca to the city of Yathrib, later known as Medina. This seminal event in Islamic history was undertaken to escape severe persecution and establish a safe haven where the Muslim community could practice their faith freely. The Hijra is so foundational that it marks Year One of the Islamic lunar calendar, the Hijri calendar, serving as the central chronological axis for the Muslim world. Beyond its immediate historical context, the concept of hijrah embodies profound spiritual symbolism, representing the eternal struggle between faith and oppression, the sacrifice for religious freedom, and the conscious journey towards moral and societal reform. In contemporary discourse, the principles of hijrah are often invoked to discuss modern Muslim migration patterns, personal spiritual journeys, and the enduring quest for a just and pious life, making it a cornerstone of Islamic identity and a powerful narrative of resilience.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The most common transliteration from the Arabic هِجْرَة is "Hijra," which is widely accepted in English academic and Islamic texts. A frequent alternative spelling is "Hijrah," with an added 'h' at the end, which more closely reflects the Arabic pronunciation of the terminal ta marbuta. Common misspellings and typos include "Hijrah" (confusing the 'j' for a 'g'), "Hijraa" (adding an unnecessary vowel), and "Hegira" or "Hejira." "Hegira" is a Latinized, older European variant derived through Medieval Latin and is less common in modern Islamic scholarship but still appears in historical Western texts. It is also important to note the distinction between the capitalized "Hijra," referring specifically to the Prophet's migration, and the lowercase "hijra," which can denote the general concept of migration in Islam or, in a South Asian context, a distinct cultural identity for transgender and intersex communities—a homograph with an entirely different etymology and meaning.

Example Sentences

Muslims around the world commemorate the beginning of the new Hijri year by reflecting on the lessons of the Hijra.

The decision to undertake the Hijra was a testament to the early Muslims' unwavering commitment to their faith in the face of existential threat.

Many Islamic scholars draw parallels between the original Hijra and the experiences of Muslim refugees fleeing conflict today, emphasizing the same themes of seeking safety and preserving religious identity.

In his sermon, the imam explained that every believer must undertake a personal hijrah by abandoning sinful behavior and migrating towards righteousness.

The date of the treaty was carefully recorded as 12 Rabi' al-Awwal, 3 AH (After Hijra), in the Islamic calendar.

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