When did the second migration to Habshah take place?

Struggling believers secretly left their homeland—what made them flee again, and when did it happen?

In the early years of Islam, Muslims in Makkah faced growing oppression, torture, and threats to their lives simply for believing in One God and following Prophet Muhammad (SAW). To escape the cruelty of the Quraysh, the Prophet permitted some companions to migrate to a just and Christian ruler—the King of Abyssinia (Habshah).

The **first migration** to Habshah had already taken place earlier, but the hostilities back home only increased. As the situation worsened, a larger group of Muslims decided to make a **second migration**. This time, around **83 men and 18 women**, including several notable companions, migrated. Among them were Hazrat Ja’far ibn Abi Talib (RA), who would later lead the delegation and present Islam’s message to the Christian king in a powerful and respectful manner.

The second migration marked a significant moment in Islamic history. It showed how the early Muslims valued their faith even above their homeland. They were willing to leave everything behind for the sake of practicing Islam freely.

This migration occurred during a period when Makkah had become unbearable for believers. The King of Abyssinia not only welcomed the Muslims but also protected them from Qurayshi envoys who tried to get them extradited. This noble Christian king, known as **Negus** or **Najashi**, earned respect in Islamic tradition for his justice and kindness.

The event took place in **616 AD**, several years before the Hijrah to Madinah, and it provided a safe refuge that preserved the growing Muslim community during its most vulnerable years.

This migration was more than a journey—it was a declaration of resilience, faith, and the global nature of Islam.