Task 6.2

Task 6.
2 :Sample Answer 2
MIGRATION TO ABYSSINIA
(Q) Write an account of the first migration (Hijra) of the Muslims to
Abyssinia. [10]
In the Fifth year of prophethood (615A.D), cruelties on Muslims by

Meccans became unbearable. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) had the support of
his clan because his uncle Abu Talib was its leader. However, his followers
were more vulnerable as most of them were socially weak e.g. slaves.
Under these circumstances, Prophet (PBUH) received a revelation which
said, “O My servants who have truly believed, fear your Lord;
those who will do good deeds in this world shall receive a good
reward. If it has become difficult to follow the Right way where
you live, then migrate, you will find that Allah's earth is spacious.
Those who endure with patience will be rewarded without
measure”. Therefore, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) advised Muslims to
emigrate to Abyssinia to escape persecutions and seek protection from its
Christian ruler Negus who was a honest and just ruler. Hazrat Uthman
(RA) and his wife Hazrat Ruqayya [the Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s daughter]
were included in the first group of 16 Muslims (12 men and 4 women);
The Quraysh chased them but the migrants managed to board a boat
before the Quraysh got to them. Some of the migrants later came back
from Abyssinia when they falsely heard that the Quraysh had accepted
Islam. The persecutions increased to a great extent and later the second
delegation, of 83 men and 19 women was led by Jafar bin Abu Talib. The
Quraysh were horrified that Muslims have escaped and this might lead to
development of Islam. Thus they sent Amr bin Al-As and Abdullah bin
Rubiya to Negus to request him to send Muslims back. The emigrants were
called upon in Negus' palace. These included Hazrat Uthman bin Affan, Hazrat Hamza bin Abdul
Mutalib and also Hazrat Jaffar bin Abu Talib. − When on arrival of Negus, Muslims didn't bow to
him; he inquired the Muslims why didn't they bow? Didn't they bow to their apostle, Mohammad
(PBUH)? − Hazrat Jaffer (RZ) responded to this and said that they only bow to God; as Mohammad
is a man. − When Negus asked about the miracle of Mohammad (PBUH), like the miracles of Jesus,
if he is the messenger of God, Hazrat Jaffer (RZ) replied his miracle is the book, The Quran. − Negus
didn't get satisfied with this response and was about to hand the emigrants over to Quriash.
Hazrat Jaffer (RZ) made the plea that they were told by Mohammad (PBUH) that no man was
wronged under his (Negus') administration. − Negus asked why Mohammad had sent them to him.
Hazrat Jaffar (RZ) replied because of his justice and his belief in One God. − He (RZ) continued by
saying that Allah speaks to Mohammad (PBUH) like He spoke to Abraham (AS), Noah (AS), Jesus
(AS), Moses (AS) etc.Negus summoned Muslims, to explain teachings of Islam
so Jafer said ‘They were living in ignorance, worshipping many
idols and were involved in many evil acts like slander. However
the Prophet (PBUH) showed them the right path and asked them
to worship only One God and shun evil. When they accepted these
teaching the Quraish turned against them’.
Jafar also read verses of Surah Maryam and explain its teaching. “And
make mention of the Mary in the Book. When she withdrew from
her people unto a place towards the East. And secluded her from
them and We sent unto her Our spirit, He said: I am only a
messenger from your Lord, that I may give you news of the birth
of a holy son”. This moved Negus to tears and he allowed the Muslims to
stay in Abyssinia in peace and freedom. Negus said “Verily, this
(Quran) and what Jesus brought has come from the same source
of light”. The Quraysh envoys were given their gifts back and sent away.
The Muslims lived there in peace until they moved to Madina. Therefore
Quraysh’s mission to extradite Muslims failed. This event also shows
similarity between Christianity and Islam due to their divine and
monotheistic nature.
Why did the Quraysh pursue the Muslims?

[4]
When the Muslims migrated to Abyssinia, the Quraish went after them as they
thought if Islam flourished there, then it could be a threat to their religion as
Muslims belief in One God was against the Quraysh belief (polytheism).
It was a threat to their political position. Being the custodians of Holy Kabah they
enjoyed a lot of respect among the Arabs and if Islam expanded then their
prestige could be lost as Muslims believed that the Holy Kabah was House of
Allah.
It was harmful to their economy. Quraish used to get a lot of gifts etc. from the
pilgrims who would come and visit the Holy Kabah every year from all parts of
Arabia. Spreading of Islam meant economical losses to them.
Therefore, to protect their religious, political and economic position they pursued
the Muslims.
Why was it important to make that migration?

[4]
It was the Holy Prophet (PBUH) who encouraged them to migrate to Abyssinia.
Muslims were encouraged through a revelation that this earth is spacious.
Muslims were persecuted and they could not practice Islam in Mekkah. Thus it
was important to migrate to Abyssinia in order to have religious freedom.
Those who were not willing to renounce Islam were in the danger of torture and
death. The migration therefore safeguarded the new converts to Islam and the
future Muslim community.
Can this migration be compared to the migration of some Muslims

today? Give reasons for your answer.
[4]
It is similar because some Muslims around the world are facing persecution, such
as in Syria, and are migrating to other countries like Jordan and Turkey, where
they are being allowed to live in freedom.
The migration to Abyssinia can also be compared to Muslims migrating to non-

Muslim countries, where they are given freedom to live and work, but sometimes
not everyone welcomes them.
However, it is not like the migration to Abyssinia as the current migrants usually
live in refugee camps, where resources are limited.
It may be said it is not comparable to migration of Muslims now e.g. economic

migration. Many Muslims now move for work and financial reasons, so it is not
similar.
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Task 6.

In the Fifth year of prophethood (615A.D), cruelties on Muslims by

Why did the Quraysh pursue the Muslims?

Why was it important to make that migration?

Muslims were encouraged through a revelation that this earth is spacious.

Can this migration be compared to the migration of some Muslims

The migration to Abyssinia can also be compared to Muslims migrating to non-

It may be said it is not comparable to migration of Muslims now e.g. economic

Feedback Strengh/Weakness of this answer ( Level and Marks )

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