Because of Prophet Muhammad’s Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam (Peace Be Upon Him) efforts, the religion of Islam was spreading rapidly in Mecca. The increasing number of Muslims worried the disbelievers of Mecca. They began to persecute other Muslims along with the Prophet.

When it became impossible for the Muslims to live in Mecca, the Prophet advised them to migrate to Abyssinia. Abyssinia is in Africa and is now known as Ethiopia. At that time, the king of Abyssinia was called the Negus (or Nijashi in Arabic). The Negus was a Christian and a very just and merciful king. He did not harm the followers of any religion, and there was complete religious freedom in Abyssinia.

The Muslims left Mecca in small groups and gathered at the seashore. They boarded a boat and set sail for Abyssinia. This was the first migration of the Muslims, known as the Migration to Abyssinia. Fifteen Muslims migrated on this journey.

Gradually, more Muslims migrated to Abyssinia, and in a short time, their number reached 109. The migrants began to live in peace and tranquility in Abyssinia.

On the other hand, when the disbelievers of Mecca found out that the Muslims had gone to Abyssinia, they saw it as their defeat and failure. They were worried that Islam would spread in Abyssinia. So, they began to think of ways to bring the Muslims back to Mecca.

The disbelievers planned and sent Amr ibn al-Aas and Abdullah ibn Rabi to Abyssinia. The two representatives of the disbelievers reached the royal court with valuable gifts for the king and pleaded with him, “O King! The people whom you have given refuge in your country are our criminals. They have abandoned the religion of their forefathers and adopted a new religion. Please hand them over to us so we can take them back to Mecca.”

The Negus summoned the Muslims to his court and said, “These two individuals have come from Mecca and claim that you are criminals. Do you have anything to say in your defense?”

On behalf of the Muslims, Ja’far (may Allah be pleased with him) replied, “O King! We were an ignorant people. We used to worship idols, loot, steal, murder, and commit various other evils. Brother would oppress brother. Allah Almighty sent a Messenger from our own people. This holy person invited us to Islam and told us to stop worshiping stones, to worship one God, to speak the truth, to not betray trusts, and to be kind to our relatives and neighbors.”

“O King! We believed in this Prophet. Because of our belief, our people became our enemies. They caused us so much pain and tormented us so much that we left our homeland and sought refuge in your country. These people are trying to force us to return to our old, misguided ways.”

Hearing Ja’far’s words, the Negus said, “Recite some of the words of Allah that were revealed to your Prophet.”

Ja’far (may Allah be pleased with him) recited verses from Surah Maryam. The Negus wept upon hearing these verses.

He said, “Your Prophet is a great and truthful man. This word has certainly been revealed by the same One who revealed the Gospel to Jesus, Peace Be Upon Him (Eisa Alaiyh Salam). You are free to live in my country for as long as you wish. No one will drive you out of this country.”

The Negus returned the gifts brought by Amr ibn al-Aas and Abdullah ibn Rabi, and they returned to Mecca in failure.