THE PROPHET’S PREACHING AT TA’IF & HIJRAH TO ABYSSINIA
1. The Prophet’s Preaching at Ta’if
In the 10th year of his mission, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) went to Ta’if to seek support after facing rejection in Makkah. After the death of his beloved uncle Abu Talib and his wife Khadijah (RA) in the Year of Sorrow (Amul Huzn), Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was left without protection in Makkah. The persecution from the Quraysh became more severe. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) travelled to Ta’if, a city about 60 km from Makkah, in the hope of finding a more receptive audience for the message of Islam. He also sought support and protection from the tribe of Thaqif, the dominant tribe in Ta’if. The leaders of Ta’if not only rejected his message, but they also encouraged their people, especially the children and slaves, to mock and stone him. He was badly wounded and chased out of the city.
Despite the humiliation and pain, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did not curse them. Instead, he prayed for their forgiveness and guidance. He said: “O Allah, guide my people for they do not know.”
Hijrah to Abyssinia
As the preaching of Islam continued in Makkah, the number of Muslims grew, but so did the persecution by the Quraysh. The Muslims were being tortured, beaten, and denied basic rights in Makkah. The Prophet (SAW) advised a group of Muslims to migrate to Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) where there was a Christian king named Najashi (Negus) who was known for his justice.
First Migration (615 A.D.)
A group of about 15 Muslims, including Uthman ibn Affan and his wife Ruqayyah (RA) (the Prophet’s daughter), secretly left Makkah and migrated to Abyssinia.
Second Migration
Later, another group of about 80 Muslims migrated due to increasing persecution. They were received kindly by King Najashi. The Quraysh sent Amr ibn al-As to convince Najashi to return the Muslims, claiming they had abandoned their faith.
However, Ja’far ibn Abi Talib spoke eloquently about Islam and recited verses from Surah Maryam (Chapter 19 of the Qur’an). Najashi was moved by the message and allowed the Muslims to stay under his protection.
Lessons from the Hijrah to Abyssinia
1. Islam encourages seeking safety and freedom of worship when facing oppression.
2. Muslims are taught to respect and live peacefully even under non-Muslim rulers if they are just.
3. The message of Islam touches hearts when delivered with wisdom and sincerity.
4. Unity and support from believers are crucial in times of difficulty.
5. Always trust in Allah’s plan, even when rejected.
6. Be patient and forgiving even when people treat you badly.
7. Remain firm in faith even under persecution.
8. Respect other religions and leaders who are just and kind.
9. The Prophet (SAW) remained patient in the face of rejection.
10. Even when no one supported him, he trusted Allah’s help.
11. Islam teaches peace and tolerance.
12. The Muslim refugees lived peacefully under a Christian ruler.
KEY WORDS
1. Ta’if – City where the Prophet was rejected and stoned.
2. Hijrah – Migration for the sake of Allah.
3. Abyssinia – Ancient name for modern-day Ethiopia.
4. Najashi – Christian king of Abyssinia who welcomed the Muslims.
5. Thaqif – Tribe in Ta’if that rejected the Prophet.
ASSIGNMENT
1. Describe what happened to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Ta’if.
2. Mention three lessons from the Hijrah to Abyssinia.
3. Who was Najashi and what role did he play in Islamic history?