Migration to Abyssinia

Facing severe persecution in Mecca, Muhammad advised a group of early Muslims to seek refuge in Abyssinia (Ethiopia), whose Christian king (the Negus) was known for justice. Ja’far ibn Abi Talib led approximately 80 emigrants on this first hijra.

When Quraysh envoys demanded the refugees’ return, Ja’far eloquently defended Islam before the Negus, reciting verses from Surah Maryam about Jesus and Mary. Moved by the message’s reverence for Jesus, the Negus granted the Muslims protection, reportedly weeping and declaring that Islam and Christianity shared a common source. The emigrants remained in Abyssinia until returning to join Muhammad in Medina years later.