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The Hijrah wasn’t just a miraculous escape; it was a masterclass in strategic planning.

Every detail—from selecting the right companions to outsmarting enemies—was meticulously thought out by the Prophet ﷺ, demonstrating that true reliance on Allah begins with taking action ourselves.

The migration of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Mecca to Medina is a powerful example that teaches us the delicate balance between taking the necessary steps and placing our trust in Allah—a balance we all need in our lives.

The Prophet ﷺ didn’t leave Mecca on a whim.

The preparations for the Hijrah began well in advance.

He carefully chose his companion, Abu Bakr (RA), his closest friend and the most loyal and reliable of his companions.

Together, they planned every detail with precision. Abu Bakr’s preparation of the camels, for example, had to be done with utmost discretion.

Knowing that any sign of unusual activity could alert the Quraysh to their plans, he quietly acquired the camels well ahead of time.

The process of feeding them a special diet to build up their humps, acquiring supplies, and loading the camels was all carried out in complete secrecy.

On the night of the Hijrah, Jibril (Gabriel) informed the Prophet ﷺ of the Quraysh’s plot to kill him, confirming a feeling the Prophet ﷺ had already sensed.

Anticipating the danger, the Prophet ﷺ asked Ali (RA) to sleep in his bed, fully aware of the risk involved.

Ali (RA) courageously accepted, allowing the Prophet ﷺ to quietly slip away.

This night wasn’t a hurried escape but the culmination of careful, strategic planning.

The Prophet ﷺ also enlisted Abu Bakr’s son, Abdullah, who played a crucial role by gathering intelligence on the Quraysh’s plans each day and discreetly delivering it to the Prophet ﷺ and his father by night.

Meanwhile, Abu Bakr’s (RA) daughter, Asma, brought food and water to sustain them during their time in the cave of Thawr.

To further ensure their safety, the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) not only avoided the main road but deliberately traveled in the opposite direction of Medina, heading south instead of north.

This unexpected move allowed them to hide in the cave of Thawr, throwing off the Quraysh’s pursuit.

The Prophet ﷺ also secured the services of a trustworthy guide, Abdullah ibn Urayqit, who was known for his reliability and deep knowledge of the terrain despite being a non-Muslim at the time.

Even with a bounty of 100 camels—a small fortune—on the heads of the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr, Abdullah remained true to his word and did not betray them.

And then there’s the moment in the cave of Thawr, where we find one of the most profound lessons of tawakkul.

As the Quraysh tracked them down and stood just outside the cave's entrance, Abu Bakr (RA) feared for the Prophets ﷺ life.

But the Prophet ﷺ, with unwavering trust in Allah, reassured him with words that continue to bring peace to our hearts:

“Do not worry; Allah is certainly with us” (Quran 9:40).

The Quraysh were so close that Abu Bakr (RA) could see their feet, yet despite their proximity, they completely overlooked the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA).

Whether it was due to a spider’s web, a pair of pigeons nesting at the entrance, or simply the unseen protection of Allah, the outcome was the same—they were safe.

The lesson from all these stories is clear: the Prophet ﷺ did everything in his power to prepare and plan for the journey.

He didn’t just sit back and say, “Allah will protect us,” without making an effort.

He tied his camel—he took every necessary step for success.

But after all the planning, preparation, and effort, his trust was not in the plan itself but in Allah alone.

This is the essence of tawakkul.

The Hijrah teaches us that while we must take responsibility and plan diligently, our ultimate reliance should be on Allah.

We take the steps within our control but recognize that the outcome is always in Allah’s hands, and Allah is the best of planners.

It’s this balance between effort and trust that leads to true success.