The Last Prophet of Allah
by Ghulam Nabi Muslim
Entry into Madina
The Muslims of Madina were waiting for the arrival of the Prophet [Muhammad (pbuh)] for two weeks. On the day the Prophet entered Madina, all the men and women, old and young, rushed out to welcome him. The young girls sang sweet songs in praise of their guest. The Prophet entered the city riding a camel. The people followed him. Everyone wished the Prophet to live with him. But the Prophet replied gently,
“Let my camel choose. It will show where Allah wishes me to stay.”
At last, the camel stopped at the house of Abu Ayyub andthe Prophet stayed with this fortunate son of Islam. Abu Ayyub was really lucky to have the Prophet as his guest.
The escape of the Prophet and the Muslims to Madina is called Hijrat [Migration] or Departure. The Islamic year begins from that date. It is called the Hijri era.
The people of Madina helped their brethren from Mecca with houses, food and money. On account of this valuable help, they came to be known in history as Ansars (the Helpers)! The Meccans who went with the Prophet to Madina were called Muhajirs (Immigrants).