The Prophet’s migration to Habasyah was an important event in the early history of Islam. In the early days of preaching in Mecca, the Muslims faced pressure, torture and unfair treatment from the Quraysh. To protect his followers, Muhammad encouraged some of his companions to seek refuge in Habasyah, which is now known as Ethiopia.

Habasyah was chosen because he was led by a king who was known to be fair, namely Najashi. The Prophet knew that in that country there was no injustice against people seeking asylum. This migration occurred in two waves. The first wave consisted of a small number of friends, then followed by a second wave with a larger number.

In Habasyah, the friends were well received. When the Quraysh envoy came to request that the Muslims be sent back to Mecca, Najashi refused after hearing an explanation of Islamic teachings and verses from the Koran read by Ja’far bin Abi Talib. Najashi’s fair attitude is an example of tolerance and protection of religious freedom.