An inquirer says, “I heard a preacher state that the Prophet’s migration took place in the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. Is this correct? If so, why was the beginning of the Hijri year designated as the beginning of the month of Muharram?

The beginning of the Hijri year in the month of Muharram does not mark the actual day of the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) migration, as some may mistakenly assume. In fact, his migration took place in Rabiʿ al-Awwal. However, the intention to migrate and the preparations for it began at the onset of Muharram, following the end of the Hajj season during which the pledge of allegiance (bayʿat al-ansar) took place. For this reason, the first of Muharram was adopted as the beginning of the Hijri year.[1]

And Allah the Almighty knows best.