The date was 01-01-0001, the people of the quiet city woke up to the most extra-ordinary event that would shape and change the history of humanity forever. They did not know the impact of what was about to happen. They were simply waiting for the arrival of the prophet. The anticipation of his imminent arrival has been excruciating for many. They have been waiting for a while for this amazing man with even more incredible message to take his place in their city.

Two years of waiting was about to be over. Men, women and children all lined up the entrance to their city as the man of their dream, admiration and affection slowly appeared in the horizon riding his camel. As their guest's camel gently strolled over the sandy desert slowly and elegantly people’s excitement was reaching boiling point.

Even the camel, called Qaswa could feel the amazing welcome her master was getting, far cry from the daily insults in Makkah and the long chase through the treacherous route to Madina. This was a welcome of love and promise of protection that she loved. She was extremely proud to carry her master to the land of opportunity.

They had never seen the man but they have heard so much about his teachings, his amazing character and his vision for a better future. They have been learning, sharing, talking and following his teachings meticulously even from far. Their happiness and aspirations merge together when they had the first glimpse of his handsome face.

To some they knew he actually belonged to their city by the virtue of his mother’s family. She was from Madina and she was even buried here. This was not just welcoming a stranger but it was a true homecoming for Muhammad.

As soon the Prophet was close enough for them they all sang in chorus the following song –
طلع البدر علينا
The full moon rose over us
من ثنيات الوداع
From the valley of Wada'‘
وجب الشكر علينا
And it is incumbent upon us to show gratitude
ما دعى لله داع
For as long as anyone in existence calls out to God
أيها المبعوث فينا
Oh our Messenger (Emissary) amongst us
جئت بالأمر المطاع
Who comes with the exhortations (injunctions/commandments) to be heeded
جئت شرفت المدينة
You have brought to this city nobility
مرحبا يا خير داع
Welcome you who call us to a good way

1436 years ago this extraordinary incident took place and forever changed the history of humanity. He may have left his home in the darkness of the night while surrounded by the Makkans conspiring to assassinate him. He had his house besieged by men of the Quraysh who planned to kill him in the depth the darkness. He was not alone on this most important journey of his life. His trusted friend, Abu Bakr was with him. They hid in the caves during the daytime, trekked during the night and after nine days of playing cat and mouse game they finally arrived at the outskirt of Madina called Quba.

Quba would be his home for a short period and it is here that he would lay down the first ever foundation for Mosque in his own hand. Omar, the companion of the Prophet and the second Caliph of Islam called this incident the year Zero. It is the day from when the Islamic calendar dates are calculated.

The foundation stones of the mosque in Quba paved the way for a new civilization that gave the world knowledge and enlightenment. From the House of Wisdom in Baghdad to Alhambra Palace in Spain, from the footsteps of Ibn Battuta the free spirited traveler to the father of medicine Ibn Sina and from astronomy to philosophy they all emerged from the shadows of this great day called Al-Hijra, the Migration. (Facebook)