The Hijrah: Migration to Medina

The Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr departed Mecca at night while Ali slept in the Prophet's bed as a decoy. They hid in Cave Thawr south of Mecca for three days while Quraysh searched for them. Abu Bakr's daughter Asma brought food, and his son Abdullah brought intelligence. Their guide Abdullah ibn Urayqit led them along an unfamiliar coastal route. When Abu Bakr feared the pursuers, the Prophet said: 'Do not grieve, indeed Allah is with us.' This migration marks the start of the Islamic calendar.