The Hijra to Abyssinia, or the migration to Ethiopia, was a significant early event in Islamic history when a group of Muslims, facing persecution in Mecca, sought refuge in the Christian kingdom of Aksum, located in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea. 

Here are the key points of this event:

1. Context of Persecution: In the early years of Islam, the followers of Prophet Muhammad faced intense persecution from the Quraysh, the dominant tribe in Mecca. The Quraysh sought to suppress the nascent Muslim community through social and economic pressure, and sometimes physical violence.
2. Decision to Migrate: To protect his followers from the increasing hostility, Prophet Muhammad advised a group of Muslims to seek refuge in Abyssinia, where a just and Christian king, known as the Negus (Najashi), ruled. The Prophet believed that the Negus would offer them protection due to his reputation for justice and tolerance.
3. First Migration (615 CE): In the first migration, a small group of about 12 men and 4 women made the journey to Abyssinia. They were warmly received and allowed to live peacefully under the protection of the Negus.
4. Second Migration: As persecution in Mecca intensified, a second, larger group of Muslims migrated to Abyssinia. This group included around 80 Muslims, among them prominent figures such as Uthman ibn Affan and his wife Ruqayyah, the daughter of the Prophet.
5. Interaction with the Negus: The Quraysh, wanting to bring back the Muslims, sent envoys to the Negus, requesting their extradition. In a meeting with the Negus, the Muslims, led by Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, eloquently explained their beliefs and the reasons for their migration. Moved by their sincerity, the Negus refused to hand them over to the Quraysh and granted them asylum.
6. Significance: The migration to Abyssinia is notable for several reasons:
   • It marks the first time Muslims sought refuge in a foreign land.
   • It exemplifies the interfaith respect and understanding between Muslims and Christians.
   • It provided the Muslim community with a temporary safe haven, allowing Islam to continue to grow despite adversities in Mecca.
7. Return to Arabia: Most of the migrants to Abyssinia eventually returned to join the broader Muslim community in Medina after the Hijra (migration) to that city, which became the main center of the Islamic community.

The Hijra to Abyssinia is remembered as an early example of seeking religious freedom and underscores the importance of justice and compassion across religious boundaries.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.