The Speech Before the Negus
When the early Muslims fled Mecca for Abyssinia (approx. 615 CE), the Quraysh sent an embassy to persuade the Negus (the Christian king of Axum) to return the Muslims. Ja’far ibn Abi Talib was chosen to speak for the Muslim community.
His speech to the Negus articulated what Islam was: a community that had been in ignorance, had been called to worship God alone, to speak truthfully, fulfill trusts, honor kinship, and refrain from bloodshed and what was forbidden. When the Negus asked about Jesus, Ja’far recited verses from Surah Maryam (19): that Jesus was the word of God, born of a virgin, a prophet and a miracle — but not the son of God.
The Negus wept until his beard was wet. He refused to return the Muslims.
This speech is regarded in Islamic tradition as one of the first acts of Islamic interfaith diplomacy.
The Battle of Mutah
In 8 AH (629 CE), the Prophet sent an expedition to Mutah (in present-day Jordan) to respond to the killing of a Muslim envoy. The Muslim force was vastly outnumbered by the Byzantine and Arab Christian forces they encountered.
The banner passed through three commanders: Zayd ibn Haritha was killed first, then Ja’far took the banner. When his right arm was severed, he held it with his left; when his left arm was severed, he held the banner with the stumps of his arms until he fell.
Khalid ibn al-Walid took command after him and managed an organized retreat.
The Two Wings
The Prophet, receiving the news of Mutah while in Medina, announced that Ja’far was given two wings in paradise — in the place of his two arms — and that he flew with the angels wherever he wished. Hence the title Dhul-Janahayn (He of the Two Wings).
See also: Seerah Khalid Ibn Walid, Seerah Zayd Ibn Haritha, Seerah Musab Ibn Umayr, Seerah Sad Ibn Muadh, Seerah Hudhayfah Ibn Al Yaman