The first migration of Muslims began at the infancy of Islam in Makkah. Among the migrants were men and women, and included people like Uthman bin Affan, his wife Ruqayyah (the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad), and others. In total, about 100 Muslims migrated to Abyssinia in waves of small groups over a period of time. While some had believed in accusations that those who emigrated were weaker than those who remained behind in Makkah, there is absolutely no credibility to such accusations. In fact, there are many lessons that can be learnt from the first migration of the early Muslims to Abyssinia.
The major migration of Muslims came later, almost 10 years later, this time to the city of Yathrib, later renamed as Al-Madinah (The City). The Muslims in Makkah has been facing serious oppression in Makkah, and after a period of politico-religious maneouvres by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his Companions, the Prophet migrated to Madinah after receiving divine direction to leave Makkah. While Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his Companions faced poverty and difficulty after fleeing Makkah, they persevered through the difficult years. And through the hardship, maneuvers and negotiations involved in the major migration in 622 CE, there are many beautiful and deep reflections that can be derived.
Shaykh Mus’ab will share his thoughts on the various lessons and reflections on the two migrations of Muslims in the early years of Islam, backed by Qur’anic verses and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
