The correct answer is 616 AD. The second migration to Habshah (Abyssinia) occurred in the seventh year of Prophethood, which corresponds to 616 AD. This migration was a direct response to the intensifying cruelty of the Quraish, who had escalated their... Read More
The correct answer is 616 AD. The second migration to Habshah (Abyssinia) occurred in the seventh year of Prophethood, which corresponds to 616 AD. This migration was a direct response to the intensifying cruelty of the Quraish, who had escalated their torture and social boycotts against the early Muslim community in Makkah. Unlike the first migration, which was a small exploratory group, the second migration was much larger and more organized, signifying a desperate need for a safe haven where the believers could practice their faith without fear of death or apostasy.
Following the first migration to Abyssinia in 615 AD, a rumor had reached the migrants that the Quraish had embraced Islam. This led some of the initial refugees to return to Makkah. However, upon their arrival, they discovered that the situation was actually worse than before. The leaders of Makkah, embarrassed by the Muslims' ability to find safety elsewhere, doubled their efforts to crush the new faith. Seeing no other option for his followers' safety, the Holy Prophet (SAW) suggested a second, larger migration to the Kingdom of Aksum (Abyssinia), ruled by the just Christian King, Ashama ibn Abjar, known as the Negus (Najashi).
The second migration consisted of approximately 83 men and 18 to 19 women. This group was led by Hazrat Jafar ibn Abi Talib (RA), the cousin of the Prophet (SAW) and the elder brother of Hazrat Ali (RA). This was a significant delegation that included many prominent figures of the early Islamic movement. The migration was a difficult journey, involving a secret exit from Makkah and a voyage across the Red Sea to reach the African coast.
Upon the Muslims' arrival in Habshah, the Quraish sent a high-level diplomatic mission led by Amr ibn al-Aas (who had not yet embraced Islam) and Abdullah ibn Abi Rabiah. They brought expensive gifts for the Negus and his generals, requesting that the "rebellious" youths be extradited back to Makkah.
In the royal court of the Negus, Hazrat Jafar (RA) delivered a powerful and historic speech. He compared the darkness of the "Age of Ignorance" (Jahiliyyah) with the light brought by the Prophet (SAW). When asked to recite from the revelation, Jafar (RA) recited the opening verses of Surah Maryam. The King and his bishops were moved to tears by the Quranic description of Maryam (AS) and Isa (AS), leading the Negus to refuse the Quraish's bribes and grant the Muslims permanent protection.
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