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Hijra

 
Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: Hijrah
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Journey of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 to escape persecution and found a community of believers. The date represents the beginning of Islam. The second caliph, 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, began the practice of using the event as the starting point for the Muslim calendar; years are now denoted by the initials AH (Latin Anno Hegirae, "in the year of the Hegira"). The disciples who traveled with Muhammad to Medina were called the Companions of the Prophet.

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Islamic Dictionary: Hijra
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The Islamic calendar, which is based purely on lunar cycles, was first introduced in 638 by the close companion of the Prophet and the second Caliph, 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab. The Hijra begins with the migration (Hegira ) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622. The Hijra begins at July 16, 622. Islamic months begin at sunset on the day of visual sighting of the lunar crescent.

 
 

 

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Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. © 2006 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. All rights reserved.  Read more
Islamic Dictionary. Copyright © 2002 yourDictionary.com. All rights reserved.  Read more