The first migration to Abyssinia

Some Muslims went to Abyssinia, to a just king under whom no one was wronged, and he welcomed them with kindness.

In the fifth year of the prophethood a group of Muslims travelled to Abyssinia, to a king called the Negus who ruled with justice. Among them were Uthman ibn Affan (may God be pleased with him) and the Prophet ﷺ's daughter Ruqayya. The Negus welcomed them with kindness, and they lived there safely.

In Rajab of the fifth year of the prophethood, twelve men and four women, led by Uthman ibn Affan (may God be pleased with him) with the Prophet ﷺ's daughter Ruqayya, slipped away by night to the port of Shu'ayba, and from there two ships carried them to the kingdom of the Negus. The sources describe his land as one where no one is wronged, and they say that most returned in Shawwal after a false report that Quraysh had become Muslims. The reports differ on the order of the first and second journeys and on some names, so each detail needs a source. This entry gives the emigration as the sira books tell it, and shows how the Muslims found safety with a just king.