When we discuss about hijrah, the name Suhaib bin Sinan Ar-Rumi r.a. would often come to mind. Suhaib was a companion of Rasulullah s.a.w.s. He was a sahabah (companion) who was willing to leave behind his wealth for the sake of Allah s.w.t. and Rasulullah s.a.w.s.
When the command for migration was revealed, Saidina Suhaib joined in to heed the call for hijrah. He left Makkah to join Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.s. to move to the city of Madinah. When the people of Quraish found out, they were determined to chase Suhaib and prevent him from migrating. They said to Suhaib: “Oh Suhaib, we will not let you leave along with your wealth. You came to Makkah in a state of poverty and then became rich.”
And so Suhaib responded that if the condition for him to migrate is to leave behind the wealth that he gained through his own sheer hardwork, then he would leave behind his wealth to the people of Quraish in Makkah. And Saidina Suhaib r.a. left for Madinah, leaving all his wealth behind.
Imagine, for an individual who has never experienced poverty and a hard life, probably his perception and appreciation of wealth is different compared to those who have experienced poverty. One who has slept with the sky only as the roof above his head the ground as his mattress will definitely appreciate wealth better after having undergone years of hardship, and it would be more difficult to be separated with that wealth. Saidina Suhaib Ar-Rumi r.a. knew how it was to be poor, living with so much less and in a state of hardship. Yet, he was willing to sacrifice everything that he had in order to gain Allah’s pleasure and that of Rasulullah s.a.w.s.
The sacrifice of Saidina Suhaib r.a. was acknowledged in a revelation sent to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.s. and the angel Jibril a.s. as the witness. Allah s.w.t. says in surah Al-Baqarah verse 207:
Which means: “And there is the type of man who gives his life to earn the pleasure of Allah: And Allah is full of kindness to (His) devotees.”
There are many important lessons that we can learn from the story of Suhaib Ar-Rumi’s migration from Makkah to Madinah. Among them:
First: The meaning of hijrah is broad.
Suhaib Ar-Rumi r.a. did not simply perform a physical migration to Madinah, but he also internalised the meaning of hijrah. Here, migration did not simply refer to moving from one place to another. It also means making a change for the better in order to attain Allah’s pleasure, even if it means having to sacrifice’s one’s comforts all for the sake of obeying Allah’s commands.
Rasulullah s.a.w.s. explained the true meaning of hijrah in a hadith:
Which means: “A Muslim is someone who spares people the harm of his tongue and his hand, and a migrant is someone who migrates (hijrah) away from what Allah s.w.t. has forbidden”.”
[Hadith reported by Imam Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
know that we should perform hijrah to Allah on a daily basis. Everyday we are moving closer to the day that we will meet Allah s.w.t., and so, everyday we are moving closer to Allah, our Creator. Which is why, everyday we should increase our good deeds. As we age, our takwa should also increase.
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.s. said in a hadith reported by Imam Tirmidzi, which means: “The best people are those with long lives and many good deeds.”
The question then now is: How many good deeds have we performed during our lifetime?
Second Lesson: How can we embark on changes?
The concept of hijrah is wide and extensive, depicting that every change must start from us.
Suhaib Ar-Rumi r.a. performed the hijrah and sacrificed his personal wealth. His intention was not hyped to the public. His hijrah was sincerely for the sake of Allah s.w.t. and Rasulullah.
That should be how we embark on changes and our own form of “migration”. Hijrah demands big sacrifices on our part, but Allah will, also accept the small changes that we undertake, as long as they are sincere.
A companion by the name of Fudaik r.a. approached the Prophet s.a.w.s. with a question: “Ya Rasulullah, Verily they claim that whoever doesn’t emigrate is destroyed.” So Allah’s Messenger (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said:
“Establish prayer, pay Zakat, abandon inquiry, and live in the land of your people wherever you please.”
[Hadith reported by Imam Ibnu Hibban]
That is the meaning of hijrah in Islam, and the start of hijrah that is being looked upon by Allah s.w.t and His messenger. Thus, let us increase our self-reflection (muhasabah), especially as we reach the end of the hijri year: Have we sacrificed our wants and desires simply to gain the pleasure of Allah s.w.t.? What about our willingness to abide by the commands of Allah and the teachings spread by Rasulullah, even though at times we may feel it is difficult?
If we feel that out efforts in pursuing something is still lacklustre, then we should embark on a change immediately. Do not procrastinate until tomorrow or the day after to make the hijrah and return to the path of Allah s.w.t. While we still have today, no one knows if we will greet tomorrow or the days after.
May Allah grant us taufik and hidayah that will propel us and our families to improve ourselves and make the move to the path that will enable us to gain Allah’s pleasure. May Allah make this year a year full of happiness and peace for us and our loved ones.
Amin Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.