The First Muslim Migration to Ethiopia marks a significant moment in Islamic history, demonstrating the deep connections between Islam and Christianity and the spirit of religious tolerance. During the early years of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mission, Muslims faced severe persecution in Makkah. In a bid to protect his followers, Prophet Muhammad sent a group of around 80 Muslims, including his daughter, to seek refuge in Ethiopia, a land ruled by a just and compassionate Christian king known as the Negus. This article explores the story of their journey, the reception by the King of Ethiopia, and the profound display of understanding and respect between two great religions. It also sheds light on the diplomatic relations initiated by Prophet Muhammad with world leaders, emphasizing Islam’s universal message of peace and harmony.
The Historic Migration to Ethiopia: The First Hijrah
Ethiopia is a country that many might recognize but know little about. Located in the Horn of Africa, it is the second most populous nation on the continent and has faced frequent challenges, including severe famine. Historically, the region was known as Abyssinia and, before that, as the Kingdom of Axum, which was recognized as one of the four great powers of its time, alongside Persia, Rome, and China.
During the rise of Islam in the 7th century, Axum maintained good relations with its Islamic neighbors, unlike the strained ties between Christian Europe and Islamic powers. For Muslims, Ethiopia symbolizes freedom from persecution, a sanctuary where early Muslims found safety and peace.
The Persecution of Early Muslims in Makkah
In the early years of Islam, Muslims were persecuted and tortured by the ruling families of Makkah. Even members of their own families mistreated new converts, especially the poor and weak, who could not bear the pain and hunger they were forced to endure. To protect them and ensure the survival of the fledgling religion, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sent approximately 80 Muslims, including his daughter, to seek refuge in Ethiopia. This journey is known as the First Hijrah (migration).
Prophet Muhammad’s Letter to the King of Ethiopia
The migrants embarked on a hazardous journey, carrying with them a letter of introduction to the King of Ethiopia, also known as the Negus. The King, who was possibly one of the last rulers of the Axum Empire, was known for his justice and deep religious convictions. Prophet Muhammad believed that his followers would be treated kindly in a land where Christianity, a scriptural religion that honored Jesus, son of Mary, was practiced.
The following is a translation of the letter Prophet Muhammad sent:
“I begin with the Name of God, the Most Merciful, Most Gracious. From Muhammad, the Messenger of God, to the Negus Al-Asham, King of Abyssinia (Ethiopia).
Peace be upon you. I praise God and bear witness that Jesus, son of Mary, is the servant of God, created by His command. Mary, the virgin, the pure, conceived Jesus as God created Adam. I invite you to worship God, the Unique, without partner, and to follow me, for I am the Messenger of God.
I send to you my cousin Jafar with a number of Muslims, and I ask you to offer them hospitality and protection. Peace be upon all who follow true guidance.”
The Makkans’ Attempt to Undermine Islam
When the leaders of Makkah learned of the migration, they sent emissaries to the Ethiopian court to try to discredit the Muslims. They feared that if such a ruler welcomed the Muslims, it would lend legitimacy to Islam. The Makkans tried to persuade the King to expel the refugees by offering gifts and spreading slander, but the wise and just King agreed to hear both sides of the story.
The Makkans reiterated their accusations, saying, “Your Majesty, a group of misguided people has taken refuge in your land. They have abandoned their ancestral faiths without embracing your religion. We request that you surrender these renegades to us.”
Jafar’s Speech: The Message of Islam in Ethiopia
The King asked the Muslims why they had chosen this new religion instead of following their forefathers’ faith or embracing Christianity. Jafar, the son of Abu Talib and Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, stood up to speak on behalf of the immigrants. He said:
“O your Majesty, we were once a people of ignorance. We worshipped idols, ate dead animals, committed grave sins, severed family ties, and the strong among us oppressed the weak. Then God sent a Prophet, known for his honesty, trustworthiness, and noble lineage, who guided us. He taught us to worship God alone, to be truthful, to honor our trusts, to maintain family ties, and to treat our neighbors kindly. He commanded us to abstain from evil, to refrain from false statements, and to avoid exploiting orphans and accusing chaste women. We accepted his message and began worshipping God alone.
However, our people persecuted us, forcing us to abandon our faith and return to idol worship. When they increased their oppression, we sought refuge in your kingdom, knowing you to be just. We hope for your protection and fairness, O King.”
The Quran on Mary: An Emotional Moment for the Ethiopian Court
Moved by Jafar’s words, the King asked, “Do you have with you anything revealed to your Prophet from God?” Jafar responded by reciting verses from Chapter 19, Maryam, which honors the mother of Jesus:
{(The angel) said: “I am only a messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.” She said: “How can I have a son when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?” He said: “So it will be, your Lord said: ‘That is easy for Me (God): And We wish to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (God), and it is a matter already decreed.’ So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (i.e., Bethlehem valley).} (Maryam 19:19-22)
The King and his court were moved to tears. Despite not understanding Arabic, the sublime words of the Quran resonated with their hearts. The verses were translated, and the King exclaimed, “These words and those revealed to Jesus must come from the same source.”
{And when they who call themselves Christians listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognized. They say: “Our Lord! We believe; so write us down among the witnesses.”} (Al-Ma’idah 5:83)
A Declaration of Peace and Protection for Muslims in Ethiopia
The King turned to the Makkans and declared, “I will not hand these refugees over to you. They are free to live and worship as they please under my protection.” Despite further attempts to slander the Muslims, the King’s commitment did not waver. When asked about their belief in Jesus, Jafar stated, “Our Prophet told us that Jesus is God’s servant and messenger, created by His command.”
Hearing this, the King affirmed that the Muslim description of Jesus aligned with Christian belief, and the Makkans left Ethiopia in disgrace.
Prophet Muhammad’s Letters: Extending the Message of Islam Globally
Several years later, Prophet Muhammad sent letters to rulers worldwide, inviting them to embrace Islam. Among the first to receive such a letter was the King of Ethiopia:
“I begin with the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Gracious. From Muhammad, the Messenger of God, to the King of Ethiopia.
Peace is upon those who follow true guidance. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah. He is One, with no partners. I invite you to accept Islam, to worship Allah, and to follow His message. May peace be upon the followers of the guidance.”
{O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but God (alone), and that we associate no partners with Him.} (Aal Imran 3:64)
The King accepted Islam, despite objections from his family and church. When the Prophet learned of the King’s death, he offered the first funeral prayer in absentia.
Conclusion: The King of Ethiopia’s Legacy of Compassion
The story of the King of Ethiopia illustrates the close bond between Islam and Christianity, built on mutual respect and understanding. It shines a light on Prophet Muhammad’s diplomacy and the universality of Islam’s message. The Quran continues to touch hearts, guiding those whom God chooses, and Islam remains open to everyone, regardless of background.
By Aisha Stacey
