Friday Sermon: How faith served the Prophet to reach Medina

This week's sermon reminds Muslims of the Prophet's migration as the new hijri year begins.

As the new hijri year begins, Muslims are reminded about the migration of the Prophet and to observe the memory of harmony, altruism and unity between the Muhajireen (migrants) and Ansar (supporters).

After the message of Allah was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed, he stayed in Mecca to preach Islam and reach out to tribes and envoys.

“But he found little support and endorsement. Instead he was severly harmed, yet he remained patient until Allah, the most High, awarded Him with Ansars who embraced Islam before they went back to Medina,” explains the sermon.

“Then Allah, may Glory be to Him, authorised His Messenger to start the journey to Medina, a call that his followers answered without hesitation.”

As the Prophet himself waited in Mecca until he received the order from Allah, Quraish tribes plotted to kill him.

They agreed to have a member of each tribe participate in the killing so his blood would be distributed between them, and thus whoever wanted to avenge him would have to face all the tribes.

Allah says in the Quran: “And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

“As He promised, Allah saved his Apostle, who went out from Mecca before their enemies’ eyes, but their sight was momentarily taken away,” continues the sermon.

“He took a handful of dust and started pouring it on their heads, while reciting this verse: ‘And We have put before them a barrier and behind them a barrier and covered them, so they do not see’.”

He walked with his companion, Abu Bakr, at night until they reached the cave of Thawr and took refuge in it.

In the meantime, Quraish had left no stone unturned to find him until they reached the Cave gate and stood by there.

At that point, Abu Bakr told the Prophet: “Allah’s Messenger, if one amongst them were to see at his feet he would have surely seen us.”

Prophet Mohammed replied: “What can befall two who have Allah as the third One with them.”

A Quranic verse was revealed about this incident that says: “If you do not aid the Prophet – Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, ‘Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.’

“And Allah sent down his tranquillity upon him and supported him with angels you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allah – that is the highest. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.”

After three days of staying at the cave, they were able to leave Mecca for Medina.