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Second migration to Abyssinia

The Second migration to Abyssinia was the larger exodus of early Muslims from Mecca to the Christian Kingdom of Aksum in 616 CE, undertaken to seek refuge from escalating persecution by the Quraysh tribe following the initial migration a few years prior.^[1]^[2] This migration involved approximately 83 men and 18 to 19 women, led by Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, a cousin of Muhammad, and included prominent companions fleeing conditions of torture, boycott, and starvation in Mecca after false rumors of Quraysh conversion prompted a brief return from the first migration.^[1]^[3]^[2] The migrants crossed the Red Sea, evading Quraysh surveillance, and settled in Aksum, where King Ashama ibn Abjar (known as the Negus) granted them asylum after rejecting demands for extradition from a Meccan delegation led by Amr ibn al-As.^[1]^[3] A pivotal event was Ja'far's defense before the Negus, recounting the Muslims' escape from idolatry and persecution while reciting verses from Surah Maryam, which resonated with the king's Christian faith and led to the return of Meccan bribes and formal protection allowing free practice of Islam.^[1] The community thrived in relative peace, establishing the first Muslim diaspora abroad and preserving the nascent faith during Mecca's hostility, with many returning to Medina only after 628 CE following improved security.^[1]^[2] This episode underscored the strategic value of migration in early Islamic expansion and the Negus's role as an early non-Muslim ally, later honored in Muslim tradition for his justice.^[1]

Background

Persecution in Mecca Leading to the Second Migration

Following the initial migration of a small group of Muslims to Abyssinia in 615 CE, persecution by the Quraysh tribe in Mecca persisted and reportedly intensified, targeting converts who lacked robust clan protection. Traditional accounts in the Sirah literature describe physical tortures inflicted on vulnerable individuals, such as slaves and freedmen, to force renunciation of Islam; for instance, Bilal ibn Rabah, an enslaved Abyssinian, was subjected to beatings, exposure to extreme heat on Meccan sands, and the placement of heavy stones on his chest by his owner, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, yet he persisted in affirming monotheism.^[4] Similarly, Sumayyah bint Khayyat and her husband Yasir ibn Amir endured prolonged torture by Abu Jahl, culminating in Sumayyah's death by spearing, marking her as the first recorded Muslim martyr circa 615 CE.^[5] These acts reflected Quraysh efforts to suppress the nascent movement by exemplifying coercion against the weak, while stronger figures like Muhammad and Abu Bakr faced primarily social ostracism and economic restrictions, such as the depletion of Abu Bakr's trade capital from approximately 40,000 to 5,000 dirhams.^[6] The return of some emigrants from Abyssinia—prompted by false rumors of Quraysh reconciliation or conversion to Islam—exposed them to renewed and heightened aggression upon re-entering Mecca, exacerbating the crisis. Quraysh leaders, including Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab from the Makhzum and Hashim clans, escalated opposition through verbal shaming, family pressures, and preparatory moves toward a formal boycott of Muhammad's Banu Hashim clan and allies, which commenced around 616 CE and isolated them economically and socially for two to three years.^[6]^[1] This boycott prohibited trade, intermarriage, and social interactions, aiming to starve the Muslims into submission or compel Muhammad's clan to expel him.^[6] Scholarly analysis, such as that by W. Montgomery Watt, affirms the reality of this opposition but cautions that Sirah-derived narratives may include tendential exaggerations for theological emphasis, with actual persecution often constrained by Meccan tribal norms against excessive intra-clan violence.^[6] Nonetheless, the cumulative pressures—combining targeted violence against the unprotected, economic strangulation, and the failure of protective mechanisms like Abu Talib's guardianship—rendered Mecca untenable, prompting Muhammad to authorize a second, larger migration of nearly 100 Muslims to Abyssinia in 616 CE for refuge under the Christian Negus.^[2]^[1]

Context from the First Migration

The first migration to Abyssinia occurred in Rajab of the fifth year of Muhammad's prophethood, around 615 CE, when a small group of Muslims fled escalating persecution by the Quraysh tribe in Mecca. Muhammad advised his followers to seek refuge in the Christian kingdom of Aksum, ruled by Negus Ashama ibn Abjar, describing it as a land where "you will find a king under whom none will suffer injustice." The initial wave comprised approximately 11 men and 4 women, including prominent figures such as Uthman ibn Affan and his wife Ruqayyah bint Muhammad, who crossed the Red Sea by boat to escape physical torments and social boycotts inflicted on early converts.^[1]^[3] A larger contingent followed shortly thereafter, totaling around 83 men and 18 women led by Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, bringing the overall number of refugees to over 100. Upon interrogation by the Negus, Ja'far recited verses from Surah Maryam, highlighting Islamic reverence for Mary and Jesus as a prophet, which resonated with the ruler's Christian faith and led to the granting of asylum without requiring conversion or renunciation of Islam. When Quraysh envoys, including Amr ibn al-As, arrived with bribes and demands for extradition, the Negus rebuffed them, reportedly shielding the Muslims with his staff and affirming their shared monotheism while rejecting polytheistic claims. This outcome, preserved in early biographical accounts like those of Ibn Ishaq, underscored Abyssinia's judicial independence from Meccan influence.^[1]^[7] The successful establishment of this refuge validated Abyssinia as a viable haven, fostering trade and interfaith tolerance that allowed Muslims to practice freely for years. Many refugees remained until after the Hijra to Medina in 622 CE, with some integrating into Aksumite society and even influencing later Christian-Muslim relations. This precedent of protected exile directly informed the decision for further migrations amid renewed Meccan hostilities, as the prior asylum demonstrated the Negus's commitment to sheltering the oppressed regardless of tribal pressures.^[2]^[8]

The Migration Itself

Decision and Preparation

The decision for the second migration to Abyssinia arose from the escalation of persecution against Muslims in Mecca following the partial return of the first group of emigrants, who had been lured back by false rumors spread by the Quraysh that the tribe had converted to Islam.^[1]^[9] The Prophet Muhammad, observing the worsening conditions including physical torture, social boycott, and economic deprivation inflicted on converts, particularly the vulnerable like slaves and women, directed the remaining Muslims to seek refuge there once more, emphasizing Abyssinia's ruler as one "in whose land no one is oppressed."^[2]^[10] This counsel was framed as migration for the sake of God and the Prophet, promising spiritual reward equivalent to two hijras.^[9] Abyssinia was selected over other potential destinations due to its Christian king, Negus Ashama ibn Abjar, known for upholding justice aligned with monotheistic principles, and the kingdom's reputation as a land of equity where even a goat's horn claim would be honored—a proverbial expression of fair governance reported in early Islamic traditions.^[2]^[1] The Prophet's prior knowledge of the region, possibly through trade connections, informed this strategic choice, prioritizing a stable refuge over nearer but hostile Arabian locales.^[11] Preparation involved discreet organization to evade Quraysh surveillance and interference, with approximately 83 men, alongside women and children—totaling nearly 100 emigrants—forming the larger group compared to the first migration.^[12]^[13] Families like that of Uthman ibn Affan, who traveled with the Prophet's daughter Ruqayyah, gathered essentials for an indefinite stay, while arrangements were made for sea passage from Jeddah or nearby ports using small vessels or hired ships, as overland routes risked interception.^[14]^[11] Prominent companions such as Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, who had led the first group, and others including Umm Salama bint Abi Umayya coordinated departures in phases to minimize detection, reflecting calculated caution amid the Quraysh's preparations to block escapes.^[10]^[11] This occurred in 6 BH (circa 615–616 CE), marking a pivotal shift toward external asylum as internal propagation faced insurmountable hostility.^[1]

Participants and Departure from Mecca

The second migration to Abyssinia involved a larger group than the first, comprising approximately 83 men and 18 women, totaling around 101 Muslims who sought refuge from escalating persecution in Mecca.^[1]^[2] This exodus occurred circa 615 CE, during the fifth or sixth year of Muhammad's prophethood, prompted by intensified Quraysh hostility after a false rumor that Mecca's leaders had converted to Islam, which briefly lured some early migrants back only to expose them to renewed abuse.^[1] Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, a cousin of Muhammad and brother of Ali, was appointed leader of the group, guiding them as they departed Mecca under Muhammad's directive to prioritize safety in the Christian kingdom ruled by the Negus (Najashi).^[1] Other notable participants included Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, though the majority were lesser-known companions fleeing tribal boycotts and physical torments.^[1] The migrants, including families, left their properties behind, reflecting the desperation driven by Quraysh surveillance and violence against converts, particularly from weaker clans without protection.^[2] Departure occurred via the port of Shu'ayba near Mecca, where the group boarded ships to cross the Red Sea to Abyssinia, evading Quraysh attempts to intercept them despite heightened alertness from Meccan polytheists.^[2] This maritime route, spanning roughly 200-300 miles across the strait, was chosen for its relative accessibility compared to overland paths, though details of the voyage's logistics remain sparse in historical accounts.^[2] The migration unfolded in waves rather than a single mass exit, minimizing detection, and marked a strategic retreat to preserve the nascent Muslim community amid unrelenting tribal opposition.^[1]

Journey to Abyssinia

The migrants, comprising approximately 83 men and 18 women led by Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, left Mecca in small groups to avoid detection by the Quraysh, who were on heightened alert following the first migration.^[2] The overland trek covered roughly 25 kilometers southeast to the port of Shuaiba on the Red Sea coast, a established departure point for maritime trade routes to the Horn of Africa.^[15] At Shuaiba, the group secured passage on merchant ships for the sea crossing, a voyage of several days across the narrow southern Red Sea, navigating seasonal winds and currents typical of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.^[15] Historical accounts, drawing from early sources like Ibn Ishaq's Sīrat Rasūl Allāh, provide limited specifics on the transit, noting no major recorded hardships beyond the inherent risks of ancient shipping, such as storms or piracy, though the Quraysh failed to intercept the vessels.^[2] The ships likely made landfall at Adulis, the primary port of the Kingdom of Aksum in present-day Eritrea, from which the migrants traveled inland—possibly by foot or caravan—over mountainous terrain to the capital at Aksum to petition the Negus Ashama ibn Abjar for asylum.^[15] This second migration unfolded circa 615 CE, amid intensified Meccan persecution that rendered Mecca untenable for converts.^[2]

Asylum Proceedings

Initial Request for Refuge

Upon their arrival in Abyssinia circa 615 CE, the second group of Muslim emigrants, numbering approximately 83 men and 18 women under the leadership of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, sought formal asylum from Negus Ashama ibn Abjar.^[1]^[2] The migrants had been directed by Muhammad to this Christian kingdom due to the Negus's established reputation for upholding justice and refraining from oppression against residents or supplicants.^[1] The Negus received their petition positively and extended protection without delay, allowing the group to settle within his domain and observe their religious practices freely.^[1]^[16] This initial grant of refuge stemmed from the monarch's policy of sanctuary for the aggrieved, as articulated in the emigrants' prior understanding that Abyssinia offered security "until such time as Allah shall relieve you from your distress."^[1] These events are recorded in the Sīrat Rasūl Allāh, the eighth-century biographical account compiled by Ibn Ishaq from earlier oral transmissions among Muhammad's companions.^[1] No contemporaneous non-Islamic sources corroborate the details, though the narrative aligns with the broader pattern of early Meccan Muslims fleeing persecution to proximate realms with tolerant rulers.^[12]

Recitation and Argument Before the Negus

Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, a cousin of Muhammad and leader among the emigrants, served as the primary spokesman for the Muslim group during their audience with the Negus, Ashama ibn Abjar, king of Abyssinia.^[17]^[18] The Negus, a Christian ruler tolerant of monotheistic refugees, summoned the Muslims to explain their arrival and beliefs after reports reached his court. Ja'far outlined the pre-Islamic Meccan society's immersion in idolatry, intertribal violence, and moral disorder, emphasizing how Muhammad's message introduced monotheism, ethical conduct, and rejection of polytheism and infanticide.^[19]^[20] In response to the Negus's request for an example of the revelations brought by Muhammad, Ja'far recited verses from the opening of Surah Maryam (Quran 19:1-40), which narrate the stories of Zechariah, John the Baptist, Mary, and Jesus, highlighting themes of divine mercy, miraculous births, and Jesus's role as a prophet rather than divine.^[21]^[17] The recitation, drawn from traditional accounts preserved in early Islamic biographies like those of Ibn Ishaq, resonated with the Negus and his bishops due to its alignment with Christian scriptural narratives on Mary and Jesus, prompting tears and affirmation from the king that the message confirmed the essence of Jesus's teachings without contradicting them.^[19]^[20] The Negus rebuked his advisors' suggestions to expel the Muslims, declaring that no harm would come to them in his realm, as their faith posed no threat to his Christian domain and echoed shared monotheistic principles.^[17]^[22] This decision, occurring around 615 CE during the second wave of migration involving approximately 83 men and 18 women, secured asylum for the group prior to the arrival of Meccan delegates.^[22] The account, rooted in Muslim oral and written traditions compiled in the 8th-9th centuries, lacks independent non-Islamic corroboration but is consistently reported across major early sources, underscoring the strategic appeal to the Negus's religious sensibilities to affirm the migrants' legitimacy.^[17]^[19]

Quraysh Intervention

Dispatch of the Delegation

Upon learning that a larger group of Muslims had emigrated to Abyssinia in 615 CE, the Quraysh leaders in Mecca, fearing the spread of the new faith and potential disruption to their trade interests in the region, resolved to dispatch envoys to the Negus Ashama ibn Abjar to demand the extradition of the refugees, portraying them not as persecuted minorities but as fugitives sowing discord.^[12]^[22] The delegation consisted of two prominent Quraysh nobles: ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ ibn Wāʾil, a shrewd merchant and future military commander, and ʿAbd Allāh ibn Abī Rabīʿah al-Makhzūmī, both of whom were pagans at the time and tasked with leveraging tribal prestige and diplomacy.^[12]^[23]^[24] To facilitate their mission, the Quraysh assembled valuable gifts—typically including fine leather goods, perfumes, and other trade items appealing to Abyssinian elites—for the envoys to distribute among the Negus and his bishops, aiming to secure favor before presenting their case.^[12]^[1] This initiative reflected the Quraysh's strategic calculus, as Abyssinia represented a secure haven with established commercial ties, prompting them to act swiftly to prevent the consolidation of a Muslim presence beyond Mecca's reach.^[12]

Diplomatic Efforts and Failure

The Quraysh leaders, seeking to retrieve the Muslim refugees and curb the spread of Islam, selected two prominent envoys—'Amr ibn al-'As and 'Abdullah ibn Abi Rabi'a—to approach the Negus of Abyssinia around 615 CE. The pair carried lavish gifts of Meccan leather goods, textiles, and perfumes intended for the Negus and his court, including bishops and nobles, to cultivate favor and portray the Muslims as disruptive fugitives who insulted core Christian tenets, such as the divinity of Jesus and the virginity of Mary.^[12]^[23] Upon arrival in Aksum, the envoys strategically distributed gifts to the Negus's advisors first, urging them to deny the Muslims an audience and press for immediate extradition without debate. Their arguments emphasized tribal solidarity and the refugees' alleged political threat, while avoiding theological confrontation to exploit Abyssinia's Christian alignment against perceived blasphemy. Despite these overtures, the Negus, identified in traditions as Ashama ibn Abjar, demanded both sides be heard, summoning Ja'far ibn Abi Talib as the Muslims' representative.^[22]^[25] Ja'far defended the group by outlining their prior polytheism, the Prophet Muhammad's monotheistic message, and Islam's reverence for Jesus as a prophet born miraculously to Mary, reciting verses from Surah Maryam (Quran 19:16–36) that paralleled Christian narratives of the annunciation and nativity. The Negus, reportedly moved to tears, affirmed the account's consonance with Gospel teachings, stating it confirmed rather than contradicted Christian scripture, and rebuked the envoys for their aggression. He refused extradition, returned the gifts, and granted the Muslims permanent protection under Abyssinian law.^[12]^[22] This rebuff marked the complete failure of the Quraysh initiative, as the envoys departed without leverage, their bribes ineffective against the Negus's independent judgment. The outcome, drawn primarily from 8th-century sirah accounts like those of Ibn Ishaq, underscored Abyssinia's role as a neutral refuge amid Meccan persecution, though lacking non-Islamic corroboration, it reflects the traditional narrative's emphasis on divine favor in early Islamic expansion.^[25]^[12]

Settlement and Life in Abyssinia

Integration into Abyssinian Society

The Muslim migrants, numbering approximately 83 to 101 individuals in the second group departing Mecca around 615–616 CE, were granted asylum by Negus Ashama ibn Abjar, enabling them to establish settlements within the Kingdom of Aksum.^[1] This protection allowed them to reside freely without enslavement or expulsion, contrasting sharply with the intensifying persecution in Mecca under Quraysh dominance.^[1] Archaeological evidence from Negash in northern Ethiopia, including a seventh-century cemetery and the purported graves of companions like Bararah ibn Rabiah, indicates that at least a subset formed semi-permanent communities, marking the earliest documented Muslim presence in the region.^[26] Religious practice remained central to their identity, with the Negus explicitly permitting the open observance of Islamic rituals, including prayer, after Ja'far ibn Abi Talib's recitation of Quranic verses resonated with the ruler's Christian theology.^[1] This tolerance fostered a degree of coexistence, as the migrants—many of whom were merchants from Quraysh clans—likely engaged in trade networks leveraging Abyssinia's position as a Red Sea hub, though specific economic records are absent from surviving accounts.^[27] Social boundaries persisted, however, with no verified instances of intermarriage between the Muhajirun and Abyssinians in primary traditions; the group maintained communal cohesion, as evidenced by their collective return prompted by reports of Meccan conversions in 616 CE (later disproven) and broader repatriation around 628 CE following the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.^[1] A small number of migrants opted not to return, integrating more durably into local society; traditions attribute conversions among Abyssinians, including possibly the Negus himself, to interactions during this period, though such claims derive primarily from later Islamic sirah literature like Ibn Ishaq's, which emphasizes harmonious relations while potentially amplifying the appeal of Muslim theology to justify the refuge.^[1] Overall, integration was pragmatic and minority-oriented, prioritizing survival and faith preservation over assimilation into the Christian Aksumite framework, with the migrants' distinct status reinforced by their temporary legal protections rather than full societal merger.^[27]

Duration and Conditions of Stay

The second migration occurred in 615 CE, involving approximately 83 men and 18–19 women, who sought refuge amid intensifying persecution in Mecca.^[2] The majority of these migrants, along with survivors from the initial smaller group of 615 CE, remained in Abyssinia until 7 AH (628 CE), spanning roughly 13 years, at which point improved conditions in Arabia—following the Hijra to Medina and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah—prompted their relocation to join the Muslim community there.^[1] A smaller subset, numbering about 33 men and 8 women, returned earlier to Mecca after hearing unsubstantiated reports of Quraysh conversion to Islam, only to face renewed hostility and partial re-migration.^[13] Under the protection of King Ashama ibn Abjar (al-Najashi), the refugees received formal asylum after Ja'far ibn Abi Talib's defense before the royal court, which emphasized shared monotheistic principles with Abyssinian Christianity.^[2] This granted them freedom to observe Islamic rituals, including prayer and community organization, without interference or forced assimilation, in contrast to the tribal hostilities in Mecca.^[1] Accounts describe self-sustaining livelihoods through trade, craftsmanship, and mat-weaving by women, fostering a stable exile community in Aksum, though reliant on royal favor amid the kingdom's internal political tensions.^[28] These details derive principally from Islamic biographical traditions, such as Ibn Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah (compiled circa 767 CE), which prioritize narrative coherence over contemporaneous verification; the lack of independent Abyssinian chronicles or inscriptions supporting the migrants' presence or scale underscores potential hagiographic embellishment in later retellings.^[12] Nonetheless, the episode's portrayal as a period of relative security aligns with Aksum's documented role as a regional refuge during late antiquity.^[27]

Return and Aftermath

Triggers for Return

The emigrants from the second migration to Abyssinia, which occurred around 616 CE and involved approximately 83 men and 18 women, began returning to Mecca in phases starting roughly one year after their arrival. The primary trigger for this initial wave of returns was a widespread rumor that the Quraysh tribe in Mecca had collectively converted to Islam, thereby ending the persecution that had prompted the exodus and rendering continued exile unnecessary.^[1]^[8] This misinformation, possibly arising from misinterpreted reports of easing tensions or isolated conversions in Mecca, spread among the refugees despite their relative security under King Negus Ashama ibn Abjar. Homesickness for their homeland also factored into the decision for some, amplifying the appeal of the false news.^[1] Upon reaching Mecca, the returnees quickly realized the rumor's falsity, as Quraysh hostility persisted, leading many to face renewed hardships or seek alternative protections.^[3] A smaller group of emigrants, including notable figures like Umm Salama bint Abi Umayya, chose to remain in Abyssinia longer, only returning after the Hijra to Medina in 622 CE and the subsequent stabilization of Muslim communities, around 7 AH (628 CE). These later returns were triggered not by rumors but by direct invitations from Prophet Muhammad and improved security following events like the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. However, the early returns—numbering around 33 individuals in the first group—were predominantly rumor-driven, highlighting the emigrants' ongoing emotional and informational ties to Mecca despite physical distance.^[1]^[8]

Fate of the Migrants Post-Return

The migrants from the second wave to Abyssinia returned in multiple phases, with varying outcomes shaped by the evolving security of the early Muslim community. An initial group of approximately 33 men and 8 women returned to Mecca around 619 CE following unverified rumors that the Quraysh had softened their stance toward Islam; upon arrival, two died shortly after, while seven others reportedly apostatized under renewed pressure from persecutors, though the remainder endured hardship and later joined the Hijra to Medina in 622 CE.^[13] Those who had returned earlier integrated into the Medinan society, contributing to its defense and economy, often pairing with local Ansar through the mu'akhat (brotherhood) system established by Muhammad. The majority of the second migrants, however, remained in Abyssinia for over a decade, benefiting from the protection of Negus Ashama ibn Abjar until conditions in Arabia stabilized. In 7 AH (628 CE), the Negus dispatched the remaining group—comprising 17 men, 7 women, and 7 children—directly to Medina via ship, ensuring their safe reunion with the ummah amid the growing strength of the Islamic state following the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.^[1] This contingent arrived around the time of the conquest of Khaybar, receiving shares of the spoils and integrating fully into community affairs, including military expeditions.^[29] Notable among the returnees was Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, who had served as a de facto leader during the exile and delivered the defense of Islam before the Negus. Upon his return in 7 AH, Ja'far was appointed commander of one flank in the Battle of Mu'tah (8 AH/629 CE) against Byzantine forces; he was martyred there after losing both arms in combat, earning the honorific "the flying one" (tayyar) in tradition for his valor.^[30]^[31] Other companions, such as Asma bint Umays (Ja'far's widow, who later married Abu Bakr and then Ali), continued influential roles in Medina, participating in subsequent campaigns and transmitting hadith. A small number may have settled permanently in the Horn of Africa, with traces in areas like Zeila, but the overwhelming fate was reintegration into the expanding Islamic polity in Arabia, where they bolstered its military and social fabric.^[27]

Historical Analysis

Primary Sources and Their Reliability

The primary sources for the second migration to Abyssinia (circa 616 CE) derive exclusively from early Islamic biographical and historical traditions, lacking any contemporary non-Muslim corroboration. The earliest attestations appear in reports attributed to ʿUrwa b. al-Zubayr (d. 94 AH/713 CE), a Medinan scholar and nephew of ʿĀʾisha, who transmitted accounts of the Meccan persecution and the Prophet Muḥammad's directive for Muslims to seek refuge under the Christian king of Abyssinia (Aksum). These reports, preserved through ʿUrwa's student Ibn Shihāb al-Zuhrī (d. 124 AH/742 CE), outline the migration's motivations—intensified Quraysh oppression—and the basic sequence of events, including the larger group's departure led by Jaʿfar b. Abī Ṭālib. Scholars such as Andreas Görke and Gregor Schoeler have reconstructed these from fragmented transmissions in later works, noting their coherence with broader early sīra (prophetic biography) motifs but emphasizing their oral origins within a generation of participants.^[32]^[33] More detailed narratives emerge in Muḥammad b. Isḥāq's Sīrat Rasul Allāh (composed circa 120-130 AH/738-750 CE, redacted by ʿAbd al-Malik b. Hishām d. 218 AH/833 CE), which lists approximately 101 migrants (83 men and 18 women) and describes the Quraysh delegation's failed attempt to extradite them, culminating in the Negus's protection after Jaʿfar's recitation of Qurʾānic verses. Al-Ṭabarī's Taʾrīkh al-rusul wa-l-mulūk (compiled circa 300 AH/915 CE) incorporates similar chains, drawing on Ibn Isḥāq and earlier informants like al-Zuhrī, adding variants on migrant numbers and the Negus's alleged sympathy toward Islam. These texts rely on isnād (transmission chains) linking back to eyewitnesses, such as Jaʿfar's companions, enabling partial verification through cross-attestation.^[34] Reliability assessments hinge on the sources' internal consistency and methodological rigor within Islamic historiography, tempered by their retrospective composition. Strengths include the multiplicity of short, independent chains from Medinan and Meccan informants, which align on core elements like the migration's timing amid boycott aftermath and refuge under a just ruler—facts improbable to fabricate en masse given the tradition's emphasis on verifiable lineages. However, as oral transmissions committed to writing 80-150 years post-event, they are susceptible to telescoping, amplification of miraculous aspects (e.g., the Negus's conversion or tearful response), and alignment with later theological priorities, such as portraying early Islam's tolerance appeal to Christians. The absence of Aksumite records—despite the kingdom's literate Geʿez chronicles—or Byzantine/Sassanian allusions underscores evidentiary gaps; small-scale migrations (dozens to low hundreds) may not register in host annals, but this lacuna invites skepticism from revisionist scholars questioning the event's scale or occurrence absent archaeology or epigraphy. Mainstream academic consensus, per analyses of ʿUrwa's corpus, affirms a historical kernel of Muslim flight to Aksum, distinguishable from embellishments via isnād cum matn (chain and content) criticism, though precise details like migrant rosters remain provisional.^[32]^[34]

Debates on Occurrence and Details

Scholars generally accept the broad outline of early Muslim migrations to Abyssinia based on the biographical tradition (sira) of the Prophet Muhammad, but debates persist regarding the distinct occurrence of a second migration separate from the first, as well as the precision of its details, due to the reliance on sources compiled over a century after the events.^[34] The primary accounts derive from Ibn Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah (d. 767 CE), transmitted and edited by Ibn Hisham (d. 833 CE), which describe a second wave prompted by renewed Meccan persecution after a brief return induced by a false rumor of Quraysh conversion to Islam around 616 CE.^[1] These texts portray the second group as larger, numbering approximately 83 men and 18 women, led by Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, contrasting with the smaller first migration of 11 men and 4 women in 615 CE.^[2] Critics, including revisionist historians, question the historicity of a discrete second migration, arguing that the sira sources exhibit narrative embellishments typical of oral traditions shaped for theological purposes, with no contemporary corroboration from Abyssinian royal inscriptions, chronicles, or archaeological evidence such as settlement traces or coinage alterations indicating refugee influx or royal favoritism toward monotheistic newcomers.^[12] Aksumite records from the period, including those of King Armah (often identified with the Negus Ashama ibn Abjar), emphasize Christian continuities without reference to Muslim asylum-seekers, fueling skepticism about the event's scale or separation from the initial flight.^[34] Variations in reported participant lists—e.g., inclusion of figures like Uthman ibn Affan in some accounts but not others—further highlight inconsistencies potentially arising from conflation of migrations or later interpolations to underscore themes of divine protection.^[1] Proponents of the traditional narrative counter that the geopolitical context—Arabian trade ties with Christian Aksum and documented Meccan boycotts of early Muslims—lends plausibility to repeated refuge-seeking, even if exact details like the 616 CE timing or leadership by Ja'far remain unverifiable beyond sira chains of transmission (isnad), which vary in strength.^[35] While mainstream Islamic historiography treats the second migration as factual, emphasizing its role in preserving the nascent community, Western academics range from cautious acceptance of a singular or amalgamated migration to outright doubt, prioritizing the absence of external validation over internal Muslim attestations potentially biased toward edifying the faith's origins.^[34] No peer-reviewed consensus resolves these discrepancies, underscoring the challenges of reconstructing 7th-century events from 8th-9th century compilations.

Significance in Islamic and World History

The second migration to Abyssinia, occurring circa 615–616 CE, was instrumental in preserving the early Muslim community amid intensified Quraysh persecution, including the three-year boycott of Muhammad's clan beginning in 616 CE. Comprising approximately 83 men and 18–19 women led by Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, this exodus via the port of Shu'ayba across the Red Sea ensured the survival of vulnerable converts, including women and children, who might otherwise have faced coercion to apostatize or physical harm. By relocating to the Christian Kingdom of Aksum, the migrants evaded Meccan dominance, allowing Islam's core adherents to maintain cohesion and practice their faith openly for over a decade until their return to Medina in 628 CE during the post-Khaybar phase.^[2]^[1] Within Islamic history, the event reinforced hijra as a pragmatic doctrine for communal endurance, with Muhammad designating Abyssinia a "land of truth" due to its ruler's reputed justice, setting a precedent for the larger Hijra to Medina in 622 CE that marked Islam's political consolidation. Ja'far's defense before King Armah (al-Najashi), involving recitation of Surah Maryam to affirm monotheistic alignments on prophets like Jesus and Mary, thwarted extradition demands by Quraysh delegates such as 'Amr ibn al-'As and secured enduring sanctuary. This interaction not only validated Quranic appeals to shared Abrahamic heritage but also reportedly prompted the Negus's discreet adherence to Islam, yielding an early non-Arab ally and demonstrating dawah's efficacy beyond Arabia. Returning migrants, including figures like Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, later contributed to military and administrative roles in the Rashidun expansions.^[1]^[2] In world history, the migration exemplified rare 7th-century asylum for religious dissenters in a structured monarchy, highlighting Aksum's legal traditions that prioritized equity over tribal extradition amid its transition from Red Sea trade hegemony. It established the first sustained Muslim foothold in sub-Saharan Africa, facilitating cross-Red Sea exchanges that presaged Islam's continental diffusion and shaped Ethiopia's enduring exemption from jihad campaigns due to the Negus's perceived piety. The episode underscored causal dynamics of refuge in power vacuums, as Aksum's Christian polity, facing internal decline, absorbed Arab monotheists without immediate conflict, influencing bilateral ties into the 8th century as Islamic polities rose.^[36]^[27]^[1]

References

[1]
The Two Migrations of Muslims to Abyssinia - Al-Islam.org
This second migration of the Muslims to Abyssinia took place in the sixth year of the Proclamation, which corresponds to the year A.D. 616. The migration of ...
[2]
Migration to Abyssinia (Hijra) - Madain Project (en)
Muslims migrated twice to Habshah (Abyssinia) first in 613 CE and second in 616 CE to flee from the persecutions of Qureysh.Overview · Najashi · First Migration · Second Migration
[3]
The Companions' Migration to Abyssinia (Story) - IslamOnline
Among the emigrants were Uthman bin Affan and his wife Ruqaiyah [the daughter of the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him)]. They sneaked out of Makkah ...<|separator|>
[4]
BILAL IBN RABAH - Islamic History
Umayyah ibn Khalaf used all sorts of torture on Bilal to make him change his mind. He ordered his men to take Bilal naked and throw him on the hellish sands ...
[5]
Sumayyah (ra): The First Martyr | Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research
Aug 12, 2020 · A woman who believed in the promise of Allah, persevered through the worst of torture for Allah, and received the ultimate reward of Paradise from Allah.
[6]
[PDF] MUHAMMAD AT MECCA | Almuslih
Watt, William Montgomery. 15. Muhammad at Mecca. Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1953. W3 xvi, 192 p. 28 cm. Sequel: Muhammad at Medina. Bibliography: p. ,viii)—ix ...
[7]
[PDF] Sirat Rasoul Allah by Ibn Ishaq - EMAANLIBRARY
The present life of Muhammad is by the earliest biographer whose work has survived. Ibn Ishaq was born in Medina about eighty-five years after the hijra (AH 85) ...<|separator|>
[8]
The Two Migrations Of The Muslims To Abyssinia - Rafed English
The second migration of the Muslims to Abyssinia took place in the sixth year of the Call (Proclamation), which corresponds to A.D. 616. The migration of the ...
[9]
Second Hijra to Abyssinia - North East Islamic Community Center
The troubles that the Muslims faced grew with each passing day and at last the noble Messenger said that the solution might be in migrating to Abyssinia ...
[10]
The second emigration to Abyssinia – I - إسلام ويب
Oct 19, 2009 · Discover the significant events surrounding the second emigration of Prophet Muhammad's companions to Abyssinia.
[11]
Migration of The Prophet's Companions to Abyssinia - ummid.com
Sep 14, 2025 · The persecution and harassment by the Quraish increased day-by-day. In light of this escalating situation, Prophet Muhammad (saws) granted ...
[12]
Did The Muslim Hijra To Abyssinia Actually Happen? - Pfander Center
Jun 23, 2024 · 146), it is expressly stated that the pagan persecution of Muslims in Mecca was the reason that Muhammad sent some of them to Abyssinia:.Missing: Habasha participants
[13]
Second Phase of Migration to Abyssinia - Encyclopedia of Muhammad
Sep 25, 2022 · In 615 CE, Muslims fled to Abyssinia due to persecution in Mecca. King Negus granted them refuge, allowing them to practice Islam freely.
[14]
Part 11-First Hijra To Abyssinia (ETHIOPIA) - Dawah-An Obligation
The prophet (saw) commanded a small group of Muslims to make the Hijra (migration) to a safe place in the country of Abyssinia.Missing: prepared Habasha
[15]
Route of Second Migration to Abyssinia (Habshah)
The Route of Second Migration to Abyssinia refers to the probable travel path taken by the Muslim migrants to reach the ancient Habshah.
[16]
Negash, Ethiopia - IslamicLandmarks.com
Later on, a bigger group of around 83 men and 18 women emigrated to Abyssinia led by Jafar bin Abu Talib (رضي الله عنه), the cousin of the Prophet (ﷺ). This is ...<|separator|>
[17]
Ja'far on Islam: Companions meet the Christian King of Abyssinia
Sep 7, 2012 · The Negus said, “Then recite it to us.” Ja'far recited from memory the verses of Surat Maryam. The Negus and the bishops in his realm were moved ...
[18]
Chapter 3: Ashama Ibn Abjar (Najashi) The Christian King Of ...
When the king gave audience to the emissary of the Quraysh, he said that the Muslims in Abyssinia were not refugees from persecution but were fugitives from ...Missing: argument Negus
[19]
The Speech Of Jafar Ibn Abi Talib – DawahGuide
Jan 8, 2024 · Jafar ibn Abi Talib then advanced and made a speech that was moving and eloquent and which is still one of the most compelling descriptions of Islam.
[20]
Jafar ibn Abu Talib's Speech to the Negus - Ilm Fruits
Aug 25, 2006 · He asked Jafar, “Do you have with you something of what your Prophet brought concerning God?” “Yes,” replied Jafar. “Then read it to me,” ...
[21]
Surah Maryam - 1-98 - Quran.com
It was revealed before the migration to Habash. We learn from authentic traditions that Hadrat Ja'afar recited vv. 1-40 of this Surah in the court of Negus when ...
[22]
Migration to Abyssinia | Al-Islam.org
This second migration of the Muslims to Abyssinia took place in the sixth year of the Proclamation, or 616 C.E.13.<|control11|><|separator|>
[23]
Ethiopia: Seven Beautiful Links to the Messenger of Allah (saw)
Dec 1, 2020 · This time the Quraish despatched 'Amr ibn al-'As and 'Abdullah ibn Abi Rabi'a (before they embraced Islam) with gifts for the Negus and his ...
[24]
Al-Najashi (Negus, King of Ethiopia) - Prophetic Profit
Mar 30, 2016 · Abdullah Ibn Abi Rabi'a and Amr Ibn Al-'Aas then presented Al-Najashi with their gifts, which he accepted. The two men then talked to the ...
[25]
Some early islamic texts on the negus of abyssinia - ResearchGate
Aug 6, 2025 · (i.e. the two Qurayshites) may go, for by ...
[26]
In the Footsteps of the First Muhajirun - Islamic Horizons
Negash is therefore widely recognized as the Muhajirun's first settlement, as evidenced by the excavation of a local seventh-century cemetery. The name of the ...
[27]
The First Hijra as a Model for Migration Justice: Ethiopia's Legacy ...
Aug 4, 2022 · In the seventh century, followers of the prophet Mohammed migrated from Arabia to Abyssinia—in modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea—where they ...
[28]
The Second Hijrah (Emigration) To Abyssynia – Authentic Seerah
Jun 28, 2021 · [541] The Ahadith below were categorized as such, i.e. The Second Hijrah to Abyssinia, by most chroniclers of the Prophetic biography. Dr ...
[29]
070 - The Battle of Khaybar Part 2
Nov 13, 2015 · We already mentioned that the Muhajirun from Abyssinia had arrived and met the Prophet PBUH the very day he PBUH conquered Khaybar.Missing: Medina | Show results with:Medina
[30]
Ja'far ibn Abi Talib and the King of Abyssinia - Islamic Studies
Mar 12, 2012 · When did Ja'far return to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in Madinah? Ja'far returned to Madinah in the 7th year of the Hijrah. 11 ...
[31]
Jafar ibn Abi Talib | Companion of the Prophet | Islamic History
The Negus then summoned the Muslims to meet him. Before going, they consulted with one another as a group and agreed that Jafar ibn Abi Talib and no one else ...
[32]
[PDF] the Higra in the Corpus of Urwa b. al-Zubayr - Dr. Andreas Görke
Abu Bakr decides to release Ibn al-Dugunna from this obligation. At that time, Muhammad sees the place of migration in a dream. It is identified as Medina. Some ...
[33]
the Hiǧra in the Corpus of ʿUrwa b. al-Zubayr - ResearchGate
Aug 6, 2025 · This first hijra (Arabic for “emigration”) is the first recorded instance of Muslims in Africa, and has become a story of great importance for ...
[34]
The First Muslims in Africa? Sources and Methods Regarding the ...
According to Muslim tradition, the Prophet Muḥammad sent some of his followers to Abyssinia to escape from the persecution that he and his community ...
[35]
https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2:1689833
[36]
Ethiopia and the Early Islamic Period - Country Studies
The rise of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula had a significant impact on Aksum during the seventh and eighth centuries.