LETTER TO NEGUS, KING OF ETHIOPIA
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
From Muhammad (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam) Prophet of Allah to
Negus King of Ethiopia.
I praise Allah, except Whom there is none to be worshipped,
who is the Ruler of the world. He is innocent and pure free from all blemishes,
defects, flaws, or shortcomings). He gives refuge and sustains all.
I do admit that Isa (Jesus) (A.S.) son of Mariam (Mary),
was the soul from Allah and His word (Order), he was infused to Mariam, who was
clean and proof against evil. And Isa(A.S.) was born of Mariam. Allah created
him from His soul and breath in the same manner as He created Adam(A.S.) with
His own hand. I invite you towards Allah the One who has no associate. Believe
in Him and join me in obedience to Him. Follow me and accept my prophethood
because I am the Messenger of Allah. I have wished - you well in conveying the
message of Allah in all sincerity. It is up you to accept my sympathetic
advice. Extend the same invitation to your subjects. I am sending my cousin
Jaffer (Raziallah AnhoA.) with the other Muslims. When they reach you, treat
them hospitably, by setting aside the vanity and pride of a ruler.
Peace be on him, who followed the right path.
Note: As mentioned earlier, after the Holy Prophet began to preach
Islam, the Quraish became the bitterest enemies of Islam. In the beginning they
taunted, teased and maltreated the Muslims. But by and by their opposition took
the shape of tyranny. Their treatment of the Muslims, particularly of the
poorer ones was so brutal, that they felt extremely unsafe in Makkah and feared
annihilation at the hands of the Quraish. At that stage, (6th year before Hijri
i.e. 614 A.D.) the Holy Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam) allowed the Muslims
to temporarily migrate to Ethiopia, as he expected a good treatment by the King
of Ethiopia. The Muslims began to migrate to the neighbouring country of
Ethiopia. This continued till the famous Migration of the Holy Prophet, after
which the migrants began to return to Medinah The last caravan returned from
Ethiopia in 7th Hijra - about 629 A.D. when the second Caravan went to
Ethiopia, the Holy Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam) addressed a letter to
the King of Ethiopia.
The Quraish could not tolerate that the Muslims should live
in peace even in Ethiopia. They sent a delegation to Negus and pointed out to
him that the Muslims had a strange faith which was altogether new and requested
that the Muslims should be sent back. The King concluded from the Muslims about
their beliefs. On that occasion Jaffar (Raziallah Anho) made a very impressive
speech, saying.
"They were an extremely ignorant and pagan nation who
worshipped self-made idols. Debauchery, cruelty and eating the dead was their
way of life, but Allah sent a Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam) who changed
their lives altogether. He admonished them to worship Allah only and to regard
Him as their Master. He preached to them always to be truthful; and not to
misappropriate a trust, treat neighbours kindly, avoid bloodshed and all that
Allah has prohibited. Worship Allah, the One observe fasts and pay Zakat. This was
the crime, for which their countrymen forced them to leave their hearths and
homes and they had to take refuge in Ethiopia."
The King of Ethiopia was highly moved by the speech and
clearly announced that he would not allow such pious people to be tyrannised.
The Muslims, thereafter, always had a deep regard for
Ethiopia and never did they think of attacking that country. They conquered big
countries like Iran, but never touched the neighbouring Ethiopia.
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