The Persecution Context
By approximately 615 CE, the Quraysh’s persecution of the weaker Muslims (slaves and those without tribal protection) had become severe: Bilal ibn Rabah was tortured by being laid on hot desert sand with a rock on his chest; ‘Ammar ibn Yasir’s parents were killed; Khabab ibn al-Aratt was subjected to burning. Those with tribal protection were economically and socially boycotted.
The Prophet had not yet received divine permission to fight back — that would come years later in Medina. The command was to endure and, when possible, to seek safety.
Two Migrations
First Migration (c. 615 CE): Approximately 15 companions, led by ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un, crossed to Abyssinia. Upon hearing false reports that the Quraysh had accepted Islam, some returned to Mecca — only to find the report false.
Second Migration (c. 616 CE): A larger group of approximately 83 men and 18 women, including Ja’far ibn Abi Talib (the Prophet’s cousin), crossed to Abyssinia.
The Quraysh Delegation and Ja’far’s Speech
The Quraysh sent emissaries (‘Amr ibn al-‘As and ‘Abdallah ibn Abi Rabi’a) to persuade the Negus to return the refugees. The Negus summoned both the emissaries and the Muslims. Ja’far ibn Abi Talib spoke for the Muslims, delivering one of the most famous speeches in early Islamic history:
He described their pre-Islamic condition, the Prophet’s teaching, and then recited the Quranic verses about Jesus and Mary (Surah Maryam/Chapter 19). The Negus was moved — he reportedly said: “By God, the difference between what Jesus son of Mary said and what you have recited is not greater than this” — touching the floor with his stick. He rejected the Quraysh’s request and granted the Muslims protection.
The Negus’s Significance
The Negus eventually accepted Islam privately (per the Islamic tradition). When he died, the Prophet led the funeral prayer for him in absentia — the first recorded such prayer.
See also: Prophet Muhammad, Sahaba, Seerah Medina, Ali Ibn Abi Talib, Bohra History, Seerah Conquest Mecca