"I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, they are saying that no one will enter Paradise except a Muhajir."' He said: "There is no more emigration (Hijrah) after the Conquest of Makkah, rather there is Jihad and intention. When you are called to moblize (for Jihad) then do so."
The Book of al-Bay'ah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4169
"I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, they are saying that no one will enter Paradise except a Muhajir."' He said: "There is no more emigration (Hijrah) after the Conquest of Makkah, rather there is Jihad and intention. When you are called to mobilize (for Jihad) then do so."
Contextual Explanation
This hadith addresses a misconception among some companions who believed that only those who performed Hijrah (emigration from Makkah to Madinah) would attain Paradise. The Prophet ﷺ clarifies that the specific obligation of Hijrah ended with the Conquest of Makkah in 8 AH, when Islam became established and Muslims could practice their faith freely.
The term "Muhajir" originally referred to those who emigrated for Allah's sake, leaving their homes and properties. After the conquest, this specific form of migration was no longer obligatory, as the entire Arabian Peninsula came under Muslim rule.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam an-Nawawi explains that Hijrah remains recommended for those living in lands where they cannot practice Islam openly, but the compulsory Hijrah that existed before the conquest has ceased. The spiritual merit of Hijrah continues through other acts of devotion.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the Prophet ﷺ redirects the companions' focus to two ongoing obligations: Jihad (struggle in Allah's cause) and intention (niyyah). This emphasizes that spiritual rewards are now attained through continuous struggle and sincere intention in all deeds.
The command "when you are called to mobilize then do so" establishes the collective obligation (fard kifayah) of responding to the Muslim ruler's call for defensive Jihad. This reflects the ongoing nature of communal responsibility in protecting the Muslim community.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
The hadith demonstrates Islam's adaptability to changing circumstances while maintaining core spiritual principles. The closure of one door of merit (physical Hijrah) opens other doors of spiritual excellence.
Scholars interpret "intention" as encompassing all acts of worship done sincerely for Allah, showing that spiritual migration (hijrah) of the heart continues through pure intentions and righteous deeds.
This teaching prevents complacency after military victories and maintains the community's readiness for ongoing struggle in Allah's cause through various means appropriate to the time.