Page 25 - World Religions I - Islam

• Between the years AD 620-622, Muhammad had converted around 96 men from the nearby city of Yathrib
who had traveled to Mecca on pilgrimage, several which returned as missionaries of Islam.57
• In September AD 622, under heavy persecution by the Quraish, Muhammad and some of his followers
escaped to the city of Yathrib, where he was offered asylum.
 The 320 km (200 mi) journey occurred in several steps over a period of 26 days. Muhammad ordered
his followers to migrate first to Yathrib, and over 100 slipped away. Muhammad and Abu Bakr were
the last to escape Mecca. They spent a period hiding in a cave on Mount Thaur until the coast was
clear before traveling a devious route to Yathrib, where they received an enthusiastic welcome.132
 This even came to be known as Hijra ("flight, migration"), and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
• The Islamic calendar was designated by Caliph Umar in AD 638, or 17 AH (anno hegirae or "in the year
of the Hijra").58
• Muhammad helped settle some tribal grievances in Yathrib, which resulting in a promoting his position in the
city.
• As the people of Yathrib responded positively to Muhammad's message, the Muslim community
(ummah) quickly developed.
• The city of Yathrib was renamed to Medinat an-Nabi ("The City of the Prophet"), which was later
shortened to Medina.59
• It was in Medina that the believers proudly took on themselves the name Muslims ("Ones who have
submitted [to God]")

Muslim Discovers True Peace and Identity

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