ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Portraits of Youths in Quran and the History of Islam Ja’far Ibn Abi Talib The Holy Prophet’s uncle Abu Talib had four sons each of whom was ten years younger than his elder brother. Their names in order of seniority were Talib, Aqil, Ja’far and Ali. Ja’far was among the first of the Meccans to embrace Islam. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to become very happy on seeing Ja’far and said, “O Ja’far!

You are very much similar to me in the matter of appearance, mannerism and character.” When the caravan of Muslim migrants reached Abyssinia this news angered and worried the Quraishite polytheists. They sent a delegation led by Amr Aas to King Negus with a lot of precious gifts so that he may deport the neo-Muslim migrants to Mecca for being punished for their offense of giving up their ancient religion of idol-worship.

Amr Aas first forwarded the presents to the king and thereafter sought permission to enter his royal court. The king was quite old and experienced. The Meccan delegates, as an extreme gesture of flattery, lay down on the ground and when they were asked to get up they said: “Your Highness! A group of our community’s young and unwise people have left their houses, relatives and country and entered your territory. Their new belief is not at all in conformity with your religion.

Their new faith is also totally against the religion of our forefathers. Their elders and parents have sent us to you so that you may hand them over to us and we may take them back to our country and give them in the custody of their elders. Your honor can realize how disgraceful it is on the part of these youths to run away, discarding their ancient religious beliefs.” Kind Negus was very wise and intelligent gentleman.

He felt disturbed with these accusations and he replied, “These people have given preference to me over other rulers and they have come under our shelter for their personal safety. I cannot send them back with you. Of course, I would like to call them here to know how much truth is there in what you say. If what you say is found correct, I will hand them over to you. Otherwise, instead of giving them to you, we will take more care of them.” Then Negus called the migrants to his court.

When they arrived in an upright and proper manner the king asked them, “What is the matter?