Task 6: CAIE Q (a) some of the early Muslims migrated to Abyssinia.
Give an account of the
events of this migration. [10]
CAIE SAMPLE ANSWER CANDIDATE # 01
The Muslims in Makka, mainly those without tribal protection and slaves, were being
persecuted by the Quraysh. An ayat was revealed about the earth being spacious for believers
(39.10). The Prophet (pbuh) allowed some followers to go to Abyssinia to seek protection from
its king, the Negus, in the 5th year of prophethood (614/615).
‘Uthman and Ruqayya went in the first migration of 12 men and 4 women, whereupon the
Quraysh chased them but the migrants managed to board a boat before the Quraysh got
to
them. Some came back from Abyssinia when they falsely heard that the Quraysh had
accepted Islam. The persecutions increased and later the second delegation of 83 men and 19
women, was led by the Prophet’s cousin, Ja’far ibn Abi Talib. ‘Amr ibn al-‘As and ‘Abdullah ibn
Abi Rabi’a followed them and asked the king to return the Muslims.
The Negus called the Muslims to give their account; Ja’far told him of the way they lived
before Islam.
They returned the next day and the Makkans accused the Muslims of having strange beliefs
about Jesus. Ja’far then recited verses from Sura Maryam. The Negus drew a line in the sand
saying that the difference between Islam and Christianity was as thin as that line.
The Negus was moved to tears, and he allowed the Muslims to stay in Abyssinia in peace and
freedom. The Quraysh envoys were given their gifts back and sent away. The Muslims lived here
in peace until they moved to Madina.
CAIE SAMPLE ANSWER CANDIDATE # 01
The persecutions started late in the 4 th year of Prophethood accelerated and
worsened day by day until the situation was no longer tolerable in the middle
of the fifth year. Surah Al-Zumar (The Crowds) was then revealed pointing
directly to migration.
“Good is (the reward) for those who do good in this world, and Allah’s earth is
spacious” The Prophet (s.a.w) had already known that Ashamah Negus, of
Abyssinia, was a kind king. He sent his followers to seek asylum there. In
rajab of the 5th year of Prophethood, a group of 11 men and 4 women left for
Abyssinia. Among the emigrants were Uthman (r.a) and his wife Ruqiyah
(r.a),. With respect to these two emigrants, the Prophet (s.a.w.) said: “They
are the first people to migrate in the cause of Allah after Abraham and Lut
(a.s.)” They sneaked out of Makkah during night and headed for the sea
where two boats happened to be sailing for Abyssinia. Quarish decided to
pursue them, but the believers had already left Shuaibah Port towards their
destination where they were received warmly.
There was an incident at Makkah when Prophet (s.a.w) read: “So fall you
down in prostration to Allah and worship Him (Alone). “ Quraish went into
prostration. News of this incident was misreported to the Muslim in Abyssinia.
They were informed that the whole of Quraish had embraced Islam so they
made their way back home. They arrived in Makkah just after two months of
the same year. When they were very near to Makkah, the reality of the
situation was discovered. Some of them returned to Abyssinia, others
sneaked secretly into the city.
Holy Prophet permitted the helpless to seek asylum in Abyssinia for the
second time. The group of emigrants this time comprised 85 men and 18
women. Quraish dispatched Amr bin Al As and Abdullah bin Abi Rabi’a. They
had taken with them valuable gifts to the king.
The king asked the Muslims explain their religion. Ja’afar (r.a.) stood up and
addressed in the following words.”O king!.... We have believed in Muhammad
(s.a.w.),… and his injunctions to worship Allah alone … For this reson, our
people have risen against us…..”
The king then asked the Muslims to recite Quran. Hazrat Jafar recited the
verses of Surah Maryam wherein is told the sotry of the birth of Jesus Christ,
down to the account of Mary having been fed with the food miraculously.
Thereupon the king exclaimed: “ It seems as if these words and those which
were revealed to Jesus are the rays of the light which have radiated from the
same source.” Turning to the envoys of Quraish, he said, “Muslims are free
to live and worship in my realm as they please.” He then assured the
Muslims of full protection. He returned to the envoys of Qurasih, the gifts
they had brought with them and sent them away. The Muslims lived in
Abyssinia for a number of years till they returned to Madinah.
Marks and Level …………………………
(b) To what extent can this migration be considered similar to Muslim migrations today?
Give reasons for your answer. [4]
Muslims around the world are facing persecution, such as in Syria and Myanmar, and
are migrating to other countries like Jordan and Turkey, and Bangladesh.
It could be said that the migrations are similar as Muslims are leaving their own countries to
seek safety in another country, and often they are welcomed in the country they are migrating
to. They can be given freedom to live and work as well as protection from persecution. it is not
like the migration to Abyssinia as many current migrants live in refugee camps, where
resources are limited and they do not have access to basic amenities and education. Sometimes
not everyone welcomes them, and the experience can be very distressing. Also, many Muslims
now are economic migrants who move for work and financial reasons so it is not similar.
