In Mecca, the lives of the Muslims had become extremely difficult to sustain. The Quraysh polytheists subjected the Meccan Muslims to unimaginable torment, using various excuses for torture in an attempt to turn them away from their faith.

Faced with this situation, the Muslims requested permission from our Master (saw) to emigrate. However, our Master had not yet received any revelation on this matter, so He could not say anything to them or show them a place to go. Several days passed when the good news reached the Muslims through our Master (saw):

“I have been informed and shown that the place to which you will emigrate is a city with date palm groves between two black hills, known as Yathrib (Medina). Those who wish to leave Mecca may go there. You will unite there with your Muslim brothers from Yathrib. Allah Almighty has made them your brothers and declared it as your new home.”

For the Muslims who were suffering in torment, this was truly a tremendous piece of news. The majority of those who emigrated from Mecca to Medina did so in complete secrecy. There was only one exception, Hadhrat Omar (ra). His emigration took place as follows:

On the day Hadhrat Omar was to leave Mecca, he strapped on his sword, took his bow and arrows, and filled his quiver. He then went to the Haram al-Sharif, circumambulated the Kaaba seven times, prayed two rak’ahs, and made a supplication. Afterward, he addressed the Meccan polytheists from atop his horse, speaking loudly:

“Is there anyone here who wants to make his mother cry, his wife a widow, and his children orphans? I declare that I am going to Medina! If anyone wishes to be one of those I mentioned, let him meet me beyond this valley so that I can send him to join his ancestors!”

After his speech, he rode his horse out of the city. None of the Quraysh polytheists dared to follow him and try to stop him.

Meanwhile, some Muslims like Ayyash bin Rebia were deceived by the Meccans, who used their families as leverage to make them return to Mecca. They were subsequently imprisoned.