Hijra

Hijra is an important cultural and religious concept in Islam, referring to the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This event marked a significant turning point in Islamic history, establishing the Muslim community and allowing the religion to grow. Beyond its historical significance, "Hijra" also refers to the annual Islamic lunar calendar starting from this migration. Additionally, in South Asia, it’s used to describe transgender individuals and gender non-conforming people who adopt a distinct social and cultural identity. Overall, Hijra symbolizes both a pivotal historical event and a diverse social identity within Muslim and regional contexts.