The Migration to Abyssinia

Hard Times in Makkah

In the early days of Islam, the Muslims in Makkah faced very difficult trials. Because they chose to worship Allah alone, some of the leaders of the Quraysh treated them unkindly, making it hard for them to practice their faith in peace. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ felt deep sadness for his followers and wanted them to be safe from harm.

The Prophet ﷺ told his companions that there was a land called Abyssinia (Al-Habashah) across the Red Sea. He described the king there, known as the Negus (Najashi), as a just ruler who did not wrong anyone in his land. This was the first time the Muslims would leave their homes to protect their religion, placing their trust entirely in Allah’s care.

A Secret Journey

A small group of men and women left Makkah in secret, traveling toward the coast under the cover of night. They hoped to reach the ships that would take them across the water before their persecutors noticed they were gone. Among them were Uthman ibn Affan and his wife Ruqayya, the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ.

Imagine the splashing of the waves and the cool night air as they boarded the wooden boats. They were leaving behind their houses, their wealth, and their families, all for the sake of Allah. It was a journey of bravery and faith, marking the first migration (Hijrah) in Islamic history.

The Land of Justice

When the Muslims arrived in Abyssinia, they found exactly what the Prophet ﷺ had promised. The land was peaceful, and the Negus welcomed them. However, the leaders of Makkah were not happy that the Muslims had escaped. They sent two messengers with expensive gifts to the Negus, hoping to convince him to send the Muslims back to Makkah.

The Negus was a wise and fair king. He refused to hand over the people who had sought his protection without hearing their side of the story first. He called the Muslims to his court to explain their new faith. This moment showed how important it is to be a just leader who listens to the truth before making a judgment.

Ja'far Speaks the Truth

Ja'far ibn Abi Talib stood up to speak for the Muslims. He spoke with great courage, explaining how they used to live in ignorance until Allah sent them a Messenger ﷺ who taught them to be honest, kind to their neighbors, and to worship only Allah. The Negus was moved by these beautiful words and the peaceful message of Islam.

Ja'far also recited verses from Surah Maryam, which tell the story of Mary and Prophet Isa (Jesus). When the Negus heard these words from the Qur'an, he wept until his beard was wet, recognizing that this message came from the same light as the teachings of Isa. He promised the Muslims they would be safe in his land forever.

A Lesson in Safety

The story of the migration to Abyssinia teaches us that it is okay to seek safety when we are being treated unfairly. Allah’s earth is vast, and He provides places of refuge for those who believe. The Muslims lived in Abyssinia for several years, practicing their religion freely while their brothers and sisters in Makkah continued to struggle.

This event also shows the value of having good neighbors and allies, even if they follow a different path. The Negus was a Christian king, yet his justice and kindness protected the early Muslims. It reminds us to always stand up for what is right and to be grateful for the people who help us when we are in need.