the hegira was when Mohammad and his followers, the Muslims, left for Yathrib(later renamed Medina)from Mecca because of threats from the Meccan rulers to leave. The meccans did not like the Islamic religion of sharing, caring ,equality, etc. They did not like him, and were greedy, selfish, and mean people.He left for Medina because he got an invitaton fro the cities rulers, which he accepted. Once in Mecca, he became a major political and religious leader. This event marked the beginning of the Muslim era.