The migration (Hijrah) of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) to Yathrib — later known as al-Madinah al-Munawwarah — stands as one of the most pivotal and noble chapters in Islamic history. This sacred journey not only ensured the safe transition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) from Makkah to Madinah, but also revealed the unparalleled courage, sacrifice, and devotion of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him). Without his heroic actions, the success of the Prophet’s mission might have faced grave peril.
The Night of Sacrifice: Sleeping in the Prophet’s Bed
Among the most radiant manifestations of Imam Ali’s bravery was the night when he lay in the Prophet’s bed as the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) departed toward Madinah. The Quraysh, intent on assassinating the Prophet, surrounded his home, each waiting to strike. It was on that night that revelation came to the Prophet, warning him of their plot and commanding him to migrate.
The Prophet confided in his cousin and guardian, Imam Ali (peace be upon him), revealing the divine command:
“God has ordered me to depart tonight, and I am commanded that you sleep in my bed so that my absence remains concealed.”
Imam Ali (peace be upon him), with serenity and faith, replied:
“O Messenger of God, if I sleep in your place, will you be safe?”
The Prophet answered, “Yes.”
At that moment, the Imam (peace be upon him) smiled, prostrated in gratitude, and became — as recorded by historians — the first to perform the prostration of thanksgiving in Islam. Lifting his head, he said with complete devotion:
“Proceed, O Messenger of God, and carry out the command of Allah. My hearing, sight, and heart are devoted to you. Command me as you will; I shall obey.”
The Prophet then embraced his beloved cousin, tears filling his eyes as he said:
“O Ali, God tests His friends according to their faith and steadfastness. Just as Abraham was tried by the command to sacrifice his son, you too are tried this night. Be patient, for God’s mercy is near to those who do good.”
That night, as the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) departed under divine protection, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) remained in the bed, calm and fearless, while swords surrounded the house. His sacrifice became a symbol of perfect faith and loyalty.
Escorting the Believers and the Noble Women to Madinah
After the Prophet’s departure, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) remained in Makkah to return the Prophet’s entrusted belongings and guide the remaining believers to safety. When divine permission came, he set out toward Madinah, accompanied by Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her), his noble mother Fatimah bint Asad, and other women of Banu Hashim.
The journey was perilous. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) led the caravan through the valleys under the cover of night, urging the weak and weary to patience. When one of the guides, Abu Waqid, grew harsh with the camels, the Imam gently admonished him, saying, “Be kind.” His calm strength reassured all those with him.
At Dhajnan, they were confronted by armed pursuers — seven masked horsemen and their servant, known as Jinh. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) instructed the women to dismount, unsheathed his sword, and advanced alone toward the enemy.
When they threatened him with force, he replied firmly:
“If I refuse to return, what will you do?”
They answered, “We shall compel you, or kill you.”
The Imam (peace be upon him) charged forward with the courage of a lion. When Jinah struck first, The Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him, parried and struck a single blow that cleaved his shoulder to his saddle. The others fled, overwhelmed by his valor, crying out:
“O son of Abu Talib! Spare us from your might!”
Imam Ali (peace be upon him) declared:
“I am heading to my cousin, the Messenger of God, in Yathrib. Whoever wishes his flesh to be torn and his blood to be spilled, let him follow me!”
No one dared approach again.
Arrival in Madinah and the Prophet’s Emotional Welcome
After days of hardship, nights of vigilance, and a body bruised and bloodied from the harsh terrain, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and his companions reached Madinah. On the way, they spent the nights in worship — standing, sitting, and bowing in remembrance of God — until dawn. It was then that the verse was revealed:
“Those who remember God while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth, saying, ‘Our Lord, You did not create this in vain… So protect us from the punishment of the Fire.’”
When the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) learned of Imam Ali’s arrival, he exclaimed:
“Bring Ali to me!”
They replied, “O Messenger of God, he cannot walk from exhaustion.” The Prophet rose immediately, went to meet him, embraced him tightly, and wept upon seeing his feet torn and bleeding from the desert stones.
He said to him:
“O Ali, you are the first of my Ummah to believe in God and His Messenger, the first to migrate for His sake, and the last to remain firm in my covenant. By Him in Whose hand is my soul, none loves you except a believer whose heart God has tested with faith, and none hates you except a hypocrite or a disbeliever.”
A Testament of Loyalty and Divine Courage
The migration of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) was more than a journey — it was a declaration of divine courage and a living proof of his unwavering devotion to the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) and to the mission of Islam. On that night in Makkah, he became the shield of Prophethood; on that journey, he became the emblem of sacrifice; and upon his arrival in Madinah, he became the mirror of faith perfected through endurance.
His heroism in the Hijrah forever stands as a timeless reminder that love for God and His Messenger is proven not in words, but in courageous action and unwavering loyalty.