A group of infidels from Mecca met the Abyssinian King and...

A group of infidels from Mecca met the Abyssinian King and tried to persuade him to hand over the migrants. However, Ja'far, the Prophet’s cousin, put forth a convincing argument against deportation, which earned the appreciation of the King.[^10] Negus (the king of Abyssinia) refused to hand over the Muslims to the Meccans . The infidels returned disappointed. However, since Abyssinia was far away, the migration did not cause much concern to the infidels of Mecca .

When one is faced with oppression, the Qur’an makes migration obligatory upon man. The Qur’an reveals, “ Unto those whom the angels cause to die, having been unjust to themselves, the angels will ask:‘In what state were you (on earth) ?’ They will reply, ‘We were oppressed in our land’. The angels will say, ‘Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to find refuge [from oppression] ?’ Hell shall be their home; an evil refuge.

Excepted are those such as infirm men, helpless women, and children who have neither the strength nor the means to escape. [Such are] Those [whom] Allah may pardon; He is Ever Pardoning, Forgiving .”[^11] Another verse assures, “ Those that have embraced the faith and migrated from their homes and fought for the cause of Allah with their wealth and their persons are held in high esteem by Allah. They are the triumphant ones.

Their Lord has promised them joy and mercy, and gardens of eternal bliss where they shall dwell forever .”[^12] Regarding the Muhajireen (migrants) and the Ansar (helpers), the Qur’an reveals, “ Those that have embraced the faith and migrated from their homes and fought for the cause of Allah and those that have sheltered them and helped them – they are the true believers.

They shall receive Mercy and a generous provision .”[^13] About those who die during migration the Qur’an reveals:“ He who migrates from his homeland for the sake of Allah and His Prophet (S), and then encounters death, has his assured reward with Allah.

Allah is most Forgiving and Merciful .”[^14] In yet another place the Qur’an reveals:“ To those who migrated after they had been persecuted and were patient in their strife, your Lord is surely Forgiving and Merciful .”[^15] Thus, as a first step to protect humankind against oppression, migration is made obligatory, with a Divine promise of safety and abundance in this life and an assured reward in the life to come.