Episode 1: Retracing the Hijrah’s First Turning Point
The Hijrah is often remembered as a journey from Makkah to Madinah—yet the story does not begin with a straight road north. In Retracing the Hijrah — Episode 1 from Junaid Hussain’s series, we’re taken back to a crucial moment: four months before the migration, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA) was already preparing two camels, even though he did not yet know precisely when they would depart.
In 622 CE, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received permission to migrate from Makkah to Madinah. But as the video highlights, instead of immediately travelling north, the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) headed in the opposite direction—towards Mount Thawr.
Four Months of Readiness: Abu Bakr (RA) Prepares the Journey
The transcript begins with a powerful detail: Abu Bakr (RA) had arranged two camels well in advance. This wasn’t confusion or delay—it was preparation driven by trust and readiness for when the command would come.
Importantly, the video notes that Abu Bakr (RA) did not know the exact timing. Yet the steps were already underway: the means were prepared, the hearts were ready, and the journey could begin the moment the Prophet ﷺ received permission.
Permission to Leave—Then a Surprising Direction
According to the account shared in the video, one day when the sun was at its peak, the Prophet ﷺ appeared at Abu Bakr’s house at an hour he would not normally come. The Prophet ﷺ told Abu Bakr (RA) that he had been given permission to leave.
At this point, you might expect the route to immediately follow the obvious direction: heading north towards Madinah. But the Hijrah took an unexpected turn.
As the episode explains, they did not travel straight to Madinah. Instead, they travelled south towards Mount Thawr.
Ghar Thawr: Hidden for Three Nights
The heart of Episode 1 focuses on what happened after they reached Mount Thawr. The Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) remained hidden in Ghar Thawr for three nights.
This pause in the journey is where the Hijrah becomes more than a change of location—it becomes a demonstration of patience, careful planning, and trust in Allah’s protection. The transcript frames this as a defining stage before continuing the journey towards Madinah.
On the Route: “Ala Khutah” and the Reconstructed Journey
This episode forms part of a 13-part series retracing the historic Hijrah route from Makkah to Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Following the على خطاه (Ala Khutah) initiative, the series explores an approximately 470-kilometre reconstructed path featuring 11 stations and locations associated with the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
As Episode 1 sets the foundation, it invites you to begin at the earliest turning point—when the Hijrah began with preparation, then permission, then a journey south to Mount Thawr.
Begin Your Own “Hijrah Retracing” with This First Lesson
While this video is rooted in history, it also carries a travel invitation: if you want to experience the Hijrah for yourself, the series encourages viewers to follow along and “retrace” the route step by step. The very first episode is a reminder that the journey wasn’t always what it appeared to be—sometimes the path forward begins with going somewhere unexpected, and waiting for the right moment.
Key Takeaways from Episode 1
- Four months before the Hijrah, Abu Bakr (RA) was already preparing two camels.
- In 622 CE, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received permission to migrate from Makkah to Madinah.
- They did not travel immediately north—first they went south towards Mount Thawr.
- The Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) remained hidden in Ghar Thawr for three nights.
- This episode is part of a 13-part, reconstructed route journey (about 470 km) with 11 stations.
Ready for the Next Step?
Episode 1 ends by prompting curiosity about the broader journey—inviting you to continue the series and explore how the historic Hijrah route unfolds station by station.
If you’re dreaming of a meaningful trip that connects faith with place, consider planning around this reconstructed route from Makkah to Madinah—beginning with the moment the Hijrah turned south, and the story of survival, trust, and direction truly began.
