The First Pilgrimage to Habsyah

QWhy did the Muslims migrate to Habsyah?

AThey migrated to Habsyah because the Quraishy people were very hostile. So Prophet Muhammad gave them permission to move to Habsyah.

QWhere is Habsyah located?

AHabsyah or Ethiopia is located at the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea.

QHow did they go there?

AThe Muslims left late at night and went to the beach where they took a boat and sailed across the Red Sea.

QWhat did the Quraishy people do next?

AThey tried to send a delegation to Habsyah and influence the King to banish the Muslims.

QWhat did the King do?

AThe King was a very fair king and ignored the Quraishy delegate’s request. Instead, the king invited the Muslims to the palace to listen to their side of the story. Saidina Jaafar bin Abu Talib, who was the head of the group, explained the real situation and also about Islam. The King of Habsyah eventually converted to Islam.

QWhat happened to the Quraishy delegation?

AThey returned back home disappointed.

QHow long were the Muslims in Habsyah?

AThey stayed in Habsyah for 3 months before returning to Mekah.