THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME WITH PROPHET MUHAMMAD THE PROPHET OF ALLAH 016 The Companions Migration to Abysinnia by Khadeijah A. Stephens Copyright © 1984-2012 by Allah.com Muhammad.com Mosque.com Khadeijah A. Stephens Bismillah Ir Rahman Ir Raheem The Companions Migration to Abysinnia It was in the middle of the fifth year that the Companions were subjected to increased persecution, be they well connected or not, that the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, who was always concerned for their welfare and security approved the migration to Abyssinia of all those wishing to leave. The reputation for justice and tolerance of the Nazarene ruler of Abyssinia, As-hamah son of Al-Abjar, the Negus who followed the true teachings of Prophet Jesus of Nazareth, rather than that of Paul, was well known, so in secrecy during the month of Rajab, twelve Companions and their wives set out for Abyssinia (today called Ethiopia). Amongst the migrants were Lady Rukiyah, the Prophet's daughter who was married to Othman, Affan's son, of whom the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi was sallam, said, “They are the first people to migrate in the cause of Allah after the time of Abraham and Lot.” Jafar and Amr, two of the sons of Abu Talib. Abu Hudhayfah, whose father Utbah was now one of the principal persecutors of the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, Abu Sabra, Ruhm's son, a cousin of the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi was sallam, through his aunt Bara. Abu Salamah Al Makhzumi and his wife Umm Salamah whose given name was Hind daughter of Abi Umayyah, who, upon the death of her husband was destined to marry the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam. Othman, the son of Makhzum Humahi, a close Companion of the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam. Aamir the son of Rabia and his wife Leila – Aamir had been one of the early converts. Zubair, Al Awwam's son, cousin of the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, and his close Companion who later married Asma, the daughter of Abu Bakr; Musab the son of Umair, grandson of Hashim; Abd Al Rahman, the son of Auf from the tribe of Zuhra, another relative and close Companion of the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, who was informed by the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, that Paradise was assured for him; Abu Hatib, Amr's son, Suhayl, Baida's son; and Abdullah, Masood’s son, who was yet another of the close Companions of the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam. When the migrants reached the coast they found two half-empty ships bound for Abyssinia and the captains agreed to carry them for the sum of five dirhams per passenger. The language spoken in Abyssinia at that time was very much akin to Arabic and so it wasn't long until the Companions settled down and made friends with their welcoming new neighbors. Allah says referring to those who migrate in His cause, “And those who after they have been wronged emigrated for the Cause of Allah, We will lodge them with a good (life) in this world, but greater still is the wage of the Everlasting Life, if they but knew.” 16:41 The Koraysh Learn of the Migration So subtle had been the migration of the Companions that the Koraysh remained unaware of their departure until long after they had reached the safety of Abyssinia. When it suddenly dawned upon the Koraysh that they had not seen several Muslim families for some time they realized something was amiss and became greatly angered as they discovered that not only they, but other families; had migrated to Abyssinia without their knowledge. Although the Koraysh had made it very clear that the Muslims were unwelcome to practice their religion in Mecca, they now wished they had contained them in the City because they began to fear they would become successful in converting others and so gain strength. The Attempt to Bring the Migrants Back In an attempt to regain control over the migrant Muslims, the Koraysh called for an urgent meeting to discuss what they should do to remedy the situation. The meeting was concluded when the decision was reached to send two of their trusted tribesmen, Abdullah, Abu Rabia's son and Amr, Al-As' son, to As-hamah, the Negus of Abyssinia bearing gifts of the finest leather, which they knew were highly prized by Abyssinians, with the request that the migrants be returned to Mecca. It was also agreed that Abdullah and Amr should approach the Negus' high-ranking generals behind his back and bribe them individually with a fine hide in return for their support in securing their aim. Before Abdullah and Amr departed, Abu Talib, whose sons Jafar and Amr were among the migrants, sent a short poem he had composed to the Negus asking him to protect his sons. The poetic message was subtle. It asked the Negus if his sons remained under his protection, or if they had been delivered into the hands of mischief makers. He told of the happiness the refugees must be enjoying by being permitted to stay in his county. He closed the poem with tender words in praise of the Negus for his hospitality to both friend and stranger alike. The Generals Upon reaching the Negus' palace, Abdullah and Amr first visited and succeeded to bribe the generals saying, "Some foolish people of ours have taken refuge in your country. They have abandoned their religion, yet they have not converted to yours because they have devised one of their own, the like of which is unknown to us and to you. Our noble leaders have sent us to ask the Negus to let them return with us and it is our desire that you advise him so that they might return." Abdullah and Amr were quick to add that they thought it preferable that the migrants should not be permitted to speak with the Negus. Like the Koraysh chieftains, Abdullah and Amr were afraid that if the Muslims were given the opportunity to speak to the Negus, he would listen kindly and incline to what they had to say. With this in mind they told the generals that they knew well their people's ways and faults and it was not only their desire that they should return home but those of their close relatives. The Audience with the Negus As-hamah, the Negus received his visitors courteously, and the envoys presented their gifts then asked for the return of their fellow tribesmen. As one might expect the generals were strongly supportive of the request and tried to persuade the Negus to agree. The Negus, being both wise and fair became outraged at the suggestion that these people who sought refuge in his country should be sent back without a hearing and replied, "No, by Allah, I will not surrender them! On no account will anyone who, having sought my protection, settled in my country, and chosen me rather than their own be betrayed. I will question them about the matter these two men allege, then, if they are as they say, I will send them back with their people. On the other hand, if what has been said is false, I will respect them and they will receive both my hospitality and protection." The Negus and the Migrants The Negus sent for the migrants to come to the palace and at the same time called upon his bishops to attend the meeting and asked them to bring their scriptures with them. When all were assembled, the Negus asked the Companions several direct questions relating to their reasons for leaving their people. Among the questions were: why had they chosen not to adopt his religion, this was then followed by an inquiry about their belief. Jafar, Abu Talib's son, acted as spokesman for the Muslims. He told the Negus that before Islam they had been ignorant people, worshipping idols, committing the most regrettable things, and showing little or no mercy to those weaker than themselves. Then he told him about Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) who had been sent to them, detailed his lineage and spoke of his reputation for being upright, truthful, and trustworthy. Jafar continued to tell As-hamah, the Negus that the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) called them to the Oneness of Allah and to worship Him alone. He told them how he had said they must renounce their idols and the false concepts their fathers and ancestors had followed. Then Jafar told the Negus the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) instructed them to speak truthfully, fulfill their promises, and care for their relatives and neighbors. He said that they must neither kill, nor consume the wealth of orphans, nor should they falsely accuse good women. Jafar also explained how they had been taught to pray each day, to be charitable and to fast. Nearing the end of the audience, Jafar told the Negus that it was on account of these matters that their people had turned against and persecuted them in an effort to force them revert to their old religion. He also told the Negus that the reason for their migration to his country was because they knew they would be secure under his protection. The Negus was impressed by Jafar's honorable reply and asked if he was able to recite some of the Revelation to him, so Jafar recited verses from the Chapter Mary: "And mention in the Book, Mary, how she withdrew from her people to an eastern place and she took a veil apart from them; We sent to her Our Spirit (Gabriel) in the resemblance of a perfect human. (And when she saw him) she said, 'I take refuge in the Merciful from you if you are fearful.' 'I am the Messenger of your Lord,' he replied, 'and have come to give you a pure boy.' 'How shall I bear a son,' she answered, 'when I am not touched by a human and not unchaste?' ‘Even so’ he replied, ‘as such your Lord has said, 'Easy it is for Me. And We shall make him a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us. It is a matter decreed.'" Koran 19:16-21 When the Negus and his bishops heard these words they wept and declared that the religion the Companions followed was from the same source as their own. Then the Negus swore an oath that he would never betray the migrants, and asked Abdullah and Amr to leave. The Plot of Amr and Abdullah Angrily, Amr and Abdullah left the palace and as they did Amr said, "Tomorrow, I will go to the Negus and tell him something I know will destroy their newly found prosperity and its roots! I will tell him that they believe Jesus, the son of Mary, is just the worshiper of Allah!" The following morning, Amr went to the Negus saying, "Your majesty, you must also be informed that they adhere to an enormous lie about Jesus, the son of Mary, send for them and ask what they say about him!" The Negus sent for the Companions and asked what they believed about Jesus. Once again Jafar acted as their spokesman and told him, “We say what has been sent down to our Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam): ‘Indeed, the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, is only a Messenger (and Prophet) of Allah. And His Word (Be) which He gave to Mary, and a (created) spirit by Him.’" Koran, Ch.19:171 The Negus bent down, picked up a stick and said, "Jesus, the son of Mary does not exceed that which you have said by the length of this stick." Upon hearing this, his generals and bishops started to mutter among themselves. Then he turned to Jafar and his companions telling them that they might go wherever they pleased and to know they would never be harmed, not even if he were to be offered a mountain of gold in exchange. The Negus instructed the gifts Abdullah and Amr had brought to be returned to them and so Abdullah and Amr left rebuked without achieving their aim. Reaction News of the Negus' statement about Jesus spread rapidly; many were troubled and demanded an explanation, accusing him of abandoning their religion. The Negus now feared for the safety of Jafar and his companions so he gave him enough ships to carry them to safety in the event of him being overthrown. Now that the Negus had made provisions for their safety, he sat down and wrote on a piece of parchment, "I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and that Muhammad is His worshiper and His Messenger." Then, he tucked it under his cloak near his right shoulder and went out to face his people. He addressed them saying, "My people, do I not have the best claim among you?" The crowd agreed he did. Next he asked, "Then, what is your opinion of the way in which I deal with you?" "Excellent!" came the reply. Then he asked, "What troubles you?" The crowd replied, "You have left our religion, and now say that Jesus is the worshiper of Allah." "What do you say of Jesus?" asked the Negus. "We say that he is the son of Allah," they answered. Then the Negus, putting his hand over the place in his cloak under which he concealed his testimony said, "This!" The crowd were satisfied and thought he had reaffirmed their belief and dispersed. Now that the crisis had been averted the Negus sent word to Jafar that all was well and they could return to their new homes where they could live in peace and harmony for as long as they wished. The Migrants Return from Abysinnia A false report reached Abyssinia that the Koraysh had accepted Islam. There was great happiness amongst the migrants and some, including Lady Rukiyah, daughter of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) together with her cousins, could not wait to be with the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) once again, for they loved him dearer than anyone else in the world and their separation from him had been a great hardship. However, Jafar and Ubayd remained in their adopted country to preach. It was a long journey but a happy one until they were but a few miles outside Mecca when they learned to their great dismay, that the report was far from accurate. They knew it would be dangerous to enter Mecca altogether, so it was decided that each family should make their way secretly into its Muslim sector and pray they would not be detected. Upon the migrants return to Mecca they told their fellow Muslims of the very hospitable and kind treatment they had received from the Negus and many of the Muslims who had not migrated with them and endured the continued persecution sought the permission of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to migrate. The Koraysh did everything to try and prevent the would-be migrants from migrating, but by the blessing of Allah, the migration of eighty-three men and eighteen ladies was accomplished. The Delegation From Abysinnia During their stay in Abyssinia, the Companions spoke of Islam, its principals and of their beloved Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to their new Nazarene and Christian neighbors. Many of the Koranic narratives were very similar to those the Nazarenes and Christians already knew, however other narratives were new and this, together with the tender, loving accounts they had heard about the Prophet’s character kindled an earnest desire to know more about Islam and its Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), for some knew from their Books that another prophet would come and wondered if this might be he. With these matters pressing upon their minds, the Abyssinians decided to send a delegation to Mecca to hear the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) speak first hand and then return home to report the news to those unable to accompany them. The Arrival in Mecca of the Abysinnians Upon reaching Mecca, the delegation went to the Ka’bah where they found Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). As they made their way across its courtyard they passed by Abu Jahl and a group of hostile Koraysh busy in a meeting, however the Abyssinians’ presence did not go unnoticed. The delegation approached the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and happiness radiated from his face as he greeted and welcomed them to sit down and join him. There were so many questions they wanted to ask about Islam and the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) in his endearing, knowledgeable manner answered all in a way that satisfied their hearts. Then, he recited portions of the Koran and their eyes filled, overflowing with tears. They knew without a shadow of doubt that the man before them was indeed the Prophet of Allah, the one whose coming Jesus, the son of Mary had prophesied and that they had been blessed to meet him. When the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) invited them to embrace Islam they accepted without the slightest reservation. Allah tells us: “You will find the most people in enmity to the believers are the Jews and idolaters, and that the nearest in affection to the believers are those who say, ‘We are Nazarenes.’ That is because amongst them there are priests and monks; and because they are not proud. When they listen to that which was sent down to the Messenger, you will see their eyes fill with tears as they recognize its truth. They say: ‘Lord, we believe. Write us among the witnesses. Why should we not believe in Allah and in the truth that has come down to us? Why should we not hope for admission among the righteous?’ For their words Allah has rewarded them with Gardens underneath which rivers flow where they shall live for ever. Such is the recompense of the righteous. But those who disbelieve and belie Our verses shall be the companions of Hell.” Koran 5:82-86 From afar, Abu Jahl and his companions monitored the meeting and when the joyous Abyssinians passed them as they left the courtyard of Ka'bah, Abu Jahl and his companions stopped them saying, "Indeed, you are a feeble group. Your people sent you here to bring them news about that man, then, after you had sat with him for a short while you renounced your religion and now believe what he says. You are very foolish!" But his words fell upon deaf ears as the happiness of certain belief engulfed their hearts and they returned to Abyssinia to tell their families and friends the good news. The Companions Migration to Abysinnia 016 Back Cover Subtitles The Koraysh Learn of the Migration The Attempt to Bring the Migrants Back The Generals The Audience with the Negus The Negus and the Migrants The Plot of Amr and Abdullah Reaction The Migrants Return from Abysinnia The Delegation From Abysinnia The Arrival in Mecca of the Abysinnians