While primarily referring to the flight of Mahomet, the term is
applied also to the emigration to Medina, prior to the capture of
Mecca (630) of those of Mahomet's disciples, who henceforth were
known as Mohajerins--Emigrants or Refugees--which became a title of
honor.
A scion of the family of Hashem and of the tribe of Koreish, the
noblest race in Arabia, and the guardians of the ancient temple and
idols of the Kaaba, Mahomet was born at Mecca, August 20, A.D. 570.
He acquired wealth and influence by his marriage with Kadijah, a
rich widow, but, about his fortieth year, by announcing himself as
an apostle of God, sent to extirpate idolatry and to restore the
true faith of the prophets Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, he and his
converts were exposed to contumely and persecution.
It was, as Irving's recital shows, necessary for the preservation
of his life--which was threatened by his own tribe, the
Koreishites--that Mahomet should leave Mecca, and he escaped none
too soon.
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