Egypt’s Fatwa Authority: Migration Marks the Foundation of Islamic History
The Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta has clarified that the adoption of the Prophet Muhammad’s migration as the starting point for the Islamic calendar was established following consultations among the companions during the reign of Caliph Omar ibn al-Khattab.
The authority referenced an account from Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari in his historical work, where it was noted that a letter arrived addressed to Caliph Omar ibn al-Khattab, dated in the month of Sha’ban. Omar questioned, “Which Sha’ban?” highlighting the need for a clear system to distinguish years and regulate transactions.
Subsequently, Omar convened a meeting with the companions to discuss this matter and urged them to “set something for the people to recognize.” They deliberated on establishing a beginning for the Islamic calendar until they reached a consensus to date it from the event of the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina, marking a pivotal turning point in Islamic history.
Dar Al-Ifta emphasized that adopting the migration as the starting point of the Islamic calendar reflects its significant status in Islamic history, representing the transition of Muslims from a state of vulnerability to establishing an Islamic state and society.
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