Seerah: EP42 – The Wisdom of the Migration to Abyssinia

Episode 42: The Wisdom of the Migration to Abyssinia

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) advised migration as he realised the survival of this small community was paramount and for the solidification of their faith- harder times were to come. There is also wisdom in taking action to protect oneself from the evil of Shayateen and of people.

The Quraysh sent two high profile people to Abyssinia to deal with the Muslims: Amr ibn Aas and Ammarah bin Walid bin Mughirah. Amr ibn Aas (RA) eventually accepted Islam. He was the most well-travelled, having been in the courts of the major Kings at the time. They bought the most expensive gifts they could find e.g. camel hide, a favourite of the Negus. They also tried to find out which minister had the most trust from the Negus, so they could arrange an audience with him by offering the finest gifts.

Ammarah, the son of Walid bin Mughirah, had a distasteful character. Ammarah was one of the individuals present and participating in the incident where the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was praying at the Ka’ba: they placed the intestines of a camel on the back of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) whilst he was in Sujood. The detritus was so heavy he fell under the pressure and got pinned down. Finally, some family members or Abu Bakr came and removed it. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was very upset and angry as they were all laughing immaturely. He warned them all, about seven in total, of the punishment of Allah.

Amr bin Aas brought his wife on the journey to Abyssinia. Ammarah found her attractive and asked Amr if he may behave inappropriately with her. Amr declined emphatically. When no-one was looking, Ammarah grabbed Amr bin Aas and threw him off the boat, not knowing that Amr could swim. When Amr climbed aboard, Ammarah apologised and rudely commented that if he knew Amr could swim, he would not have thrown him overboard!

When they arrive in Abyssinia, the ministers are given the gifts. The Qurayshi visitors explain that the new Muslim migrants will become a problem for them: an appointment is made to meet the Negus.