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In the early years of Islam, the Muslims in Makkah faced extreme persecution. They were beaten, insulted, and tortured by the Quraysh tribe. Because of this, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised his followers to migrate to a safe land ruled by a just king— King Negus (Najashi) of Abyssinia, a Christian ruler known for his fairness.
The first migration happened in 615 A.D, when a small group of around 15 people secretly traveled to Abyssinia. The Quraysh tried to stop them, but they escaped safely. They were warmly welcomed by King Negus, who allowed them to stay peacefully.
However, the situation in Makkah worsened. The Quraysh increased their torture, especially toward weaker Muslims like slaves and the poor. So, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) allowed more Muslims to migrate. This was the second and much larger migration, which took place in late 615 and continued into 616 A.D. This group included men, women, and children, totaling around 80–100 people.
Among the migrants was Hazrat Jafar ibn Abi Talib (R.A.), the cousin of the Prophet (PBUH). He later spoke on behalf of the Muslims when the Quraysh sent a delegation to convince King Negus to expel them. The Quraysh tried to bribe the king with gifts and lies, claiming the Muslims disrespected Jesus (Isa A.S).
But when King Negus heard Hazrat Jafar explanation and listened to verses from Surah Maryam, he was moved to tears. He told the Quraysh delegates, What you have said and what they believe both come from the same source. He rejected their request and allowed the Muslims to stay under his protection.
Important facts:
This event shows the bravery of early Muslims and how Allah provided them relief through a just non-Muslim ruler. It was also the first time Muslims lived peacefully under another government, which helped Islam grow stronger. The trust placed in King Negus and his kindness became a symbol of religious tolerance in Islamic history.
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