Migration from Mecca to Medina – Umar ibn al-Khattab (may God be pleased with him) According to authentic narrations reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, from the account of Ali ibn Abi Talib: No one migrated publicly in broad daylight except Umar. While others were leaving secretly out of fear that Quraysh might stop them—and indeed Quraysh did prevent those they could—Umar was different. When Umar decided to migrate, he prepared himself fully: he slung his bow over his shoulder, strapped on his sword, carried his arrows, and held a spear at his side. Then he went out at midday, when the sun was high and Quraysh leaders were gathered in their meeting places. He circumambulated the Kaaba seven times calmly and confidently, not looking at anyone. After finishing, he prayed two units of prayer near the Station of Abraham, peacefully and without fear. Then he turned toward the leaders of Quraysh, walked firmly toward them, and said: “May these faces be disgraced! By God, nothing will be humbled except these noses.” Then he declared openly: “O people of Quraysh, I am migrating to Yathrib (Medina). Whoever wants his mother to lose him, his wife to become a widow, or his children to become orphans—let him meet me behind this valley.” Ali ibn Abi Talib said: “By God, not a single man from Quraysh moved from his place.” Then Umar called out to the oppressed Muslims: “Whoever wishes to migrate, let him follow me.” A group of them joined him—some reports say 17, others say 27—and they migrated openly with him. No one from Quraysh dared to stop them out of fear of Umar. Why did Umar migrate openly while the Prophet migrated secretly? This raises an important lesson. God says in the Quran that the Prophet is the perfect example to follow. If Prophet Muhammad had migrated openly, it would have become expected—or even obligatory—for all believers to do the same. That could have exposed weaker Muslims to serious harm. But Umar was not the universal example for all believers in the way the Prophet was. His actions represented his own strength and courage, not a rule for everyone. The Prophet’s migration was done secretly, with careful planning—staying in the Cave of Thawr for three days—demonstrating wisdom, strategy, and mercy toward the vulnerable. The key lesson: Balance between trust and action Islam teaches both reliance on God and taking practical steps. A Bedouin once asked the Prophet: “Should I tie my camel or trust in God?” The Prophet replied: “Tie it and trust in God.” This means: Take the necessary precautions, and at the same time, place your trust in God.