Part 9 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Rise of Persecution and the Migration to Abyssinia

Part 9 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Rise of Persecution and the Migration to Abyssinia

Part 8 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

As Islam continued to spread quietly throughout Makkah, the Quraysh found themselves increasingly threatened by the growing influence of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers. Initially, they dismissed his teachings, mocking him and accusing him of sorcery or madness. However, as more people accepted Islam, even within their own families, the leaders of Quraysh saw this new faith as a direct challenge to their authority and way of life. As a result, the persecution against the Muslims intensified.

For many believers, life became a test of endurance and faith. No one was safe from the wrath of the Quraysh, whether they were slaves, merchants, or noblemen. Each day brought new forms of punishment and suffering, but the believers held steadfastly to the words of the Prophet (PBUH), trusting in Allah’s promise of justice and mercy.

The Quraysh tried various tactics to make Muslims renounce their faith. They beat them, insulted them, and isolated them socially and economically. Those from weaker families faced the brunt of the punishment. Slaves like Bilal ibn Rabah were tortured under the scorching desert sun, with heavy stones placed on their chests as they lay helplessly on the burning sand. The wealthy and powerful Quraysh intended to break the spirits of the early Muslims, forcing them to give up their newfound belief in the One God.

Despite these efforts, the Muslim community grew stronger in its faith. This resilience further frustrated the Quraysh. They felt that if they did not act decisively, this movement would continue to challenge their authority. Driven by this fear, they held a council and decided that a collective, more severe approach was necessary to halt the spread of Islam. They resolved to torture, punish, and banish any Muslim who resisted their authority.

As the suffering of the Muslims increased, the Prophet (PBUH) saw the need for a safe haven for his followers, a place where they could practice their faith in peace. He had heard of a just Christian king, Najashi (Negus), who ruled Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia). Known for his fairness and compassion, Najashi was a ruler who treated people under his care with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs.

The Prophet (PBUH) advised a group of his followers to seek refuge in Abyssinia. He reassured them that Najashi would allow them to live in peace and practice their faith freely. Though the decision to leave Makkah was not an easy one, the Muslims understood that they could no longer live safely in their own city.

The group of Muslims who embarked on this journey faced numerous challenges. Leaving Makkah meant saying goodbye to their families, friends, and familiar surroundings. But they knew that Allah was guiding their steps. Among the group were notable companions such as Uthman ibn Affan and his wife, Ruqayyah, the Prophet’s (PBUH) daughter. This small group marked the beginning of the first migration in Islam.

The journey was long and arduous, but they eventually reached the shores of Abyssinia. They entered the land with hopes of peace, praying that the rumors about the king’s kindness were true. After securing an audience with Najashi, the Muslims respectfully explained the purpose of their visit, describing how they had been persecuted in Makkah and had come seeking safety.
The Meeting with King Najashi

When the Muslims met Najashi, they were prepared to tell him about their beliefs and the persecution they faced. Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, a cousin of the Prophet (PBUH), spoke on behalf of the Muslims. With eloquence and sincerity, he explained their situation and why they had left their homeland:

"O King, we were a people in ignorance, worshiping idols, eating carrion, committing shameful deeds, neglecting our relatives, and treating our neighbors with contempt. The strong among us oppressed the weak. Then, Allah sent a messenger to us, a man from among us whose lineage, truthfulness, and trustworthiness were well-known. He invited us to worship Allah alone and to abandon the idols which we and our forefathers used to worship. He commanded us to speak the truth, to fulfill our promises, to care for our relatives, to assist our neighbors, to avoid what is forbidden, to abstain from bloodshed, and to refrain from shameful acts."

Ja’far recited verses from Surah Maryam (Mary), which spoke about the miraculous birth of Prophet Isa (Jesus) and the purity of his mother, Maryam (Mary). The words deeply moved Najashi and his court. As they listened, tears filled the eyes of the king, who felt the truth and beauty of the verses. He confirmed that he saw no difference between the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the teachings of Prophet Isa (AS).

Najashi assured the Muslims of their safety, allowing them to stay in his kingdom as long as they wished. His kindness and understanding provided much-needed relief to the Muslims, who could now live and worship without fear.

When the Quraysh heard that the Muslims had found refuge in Abyssinia, they feared that this safe haven might strengthen their faith and even attract more converts. Determined to bring the Muslims back, the Quraysh sent two envoys, Amr ibn al-As and Abdullah ibn Abi Rabi’ah, with gifts to persuade Najashi to return the Muslims to Makkah.

Upon their arrival, the envoys approached Najashi and presented him with valuable gifts. They argued that these Muslims had renounced the religion of their forefathers and were spreading a dangerous, foreign faith. They urged Najashi to return the Muslims to Makkah, warning that they could disrupt the peace and order in his kingdom.

Initially, some members of Najashi’s court were swayed by the Quraysh’s words, suggesting that the Muslims should be returned. However, Najashi, being a wise and just king, decided to hear from the Muslims directly before making a decision.

Ja’far ibn Abi Talib again stood before Najashi, defending the Muslims’ faith and explaining their beliefs about Isa (AS) in response to the Quraysh’s accusations. He described how they honored Isa (AS) as a prophet of Allah but did not worship him, as their faith taught that Allah was One, without partners or children.

Najashi listened carefully to Ja’far’s words. He turned to the envoys and firmly told them that he would not hand over these guests who sought refuge in his land. The Muslims had committed no crime, and he saw no reason to send them back to face persecution. He returned the Quraysh’s gifts and dismissed their demands, reaffirming his commitment to justice.

The Muslims were overjoyed and relieved. They thanked Allah for granting them such a kind and just ruler who was willing to protect them even against the pressure of the Quraysh.

The Muslims’ journey to Abyssinia became a profound chapter in the history of Islam. It was not only a test of faith for the early believers but also a symbol of the resilience and unity that bound them. The sacrifices they made by leaving their homeland showed their commitment to Islam, and the kindness of Najashi demonstrated that Allah’s mercy could be found in unexpected places.

During their time in Abyssinia, the Muslims lived peacefully, practicing their faith and drawing strength from the Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings. They continued to hear news of the Prophet (PBUH) and the growing trials in Makkah. Many of them longed to return and rejoin their community but understood that their temporary exile was a means of preserving their faith and safety.

The migration to Abyssinia was a significant event that left a lasting impact on the early Muslim community. It taught the Muslims the importance of patience, resilience, and trust in Allah’s plan. Their experience in Abyssinia also marked the beginning of Islam’s spread beyond the borders of Arabia, as the message of the Prophet (PBUH) reached foreign lands and touched the hearts of people far from Makkah.