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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Exemplary Youths during the Early Days of Islam Ja‘far Tayyār, the Youth of Eloquence Ja‘far, the son of Abū Tālib was one the Noble Prophet’s (S) loyal and faithful Helpers. Ja‘far ibn Abī Tālib ( ‘a ) was also a highly esteemed brother of ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib ( ‘a ). He was ten years older than Imām ‘Alī ( ‘a ). Ja‘far Tayyār was one of the earliest people to respond affirmatively to the divine call of the Noble Prophet (S) and convert to Islam.

It was for this reason that the Noble Prophet stated, “O Ja‘far! You are similar to me with respect to natural disposition and moral qualities.”[^1] When the first group of the Muslim emigrants [ muhājirīn ] went to Ethiopia [Habashah] in the month of Rajab, in the fifth year of the prophetic mission, their leader was ‘Uthmān ibn Maz‘ūn. But the leader of the second group of emigrants that went to Ethiopia was Ja‘far Tayyār, a youth of twenty five.

His young wife called “Asmā’ bint ‘Umays”, too, emigrated with him. Notwithstanding that there were a lot of highly respected people among the emigrants and other worthy, capable youths among them, no one got more attention and favors than J‘afar from the Noble Prophet (S). When the emigrants arrived in Habashah (present Ethiopia), Ja‘far was elected to be the spokesman for the emigrants. He performed his duties, as a spokesman, with excellence.

We will now recount what has been recorded in history concerning this: After the polytheists of Mecca became aware of the emigration of the Muslims from Mecca to Ethiopia, they sent a mission under the leadership of ‘Amru ibn ‘Ās, an idol-worshipping youth, who was very eloquent in speech to the court of Negus, the King of Ethiopia, with lots of presents. They requested Negus, the King of Ethiopia, to return the Muslims back to Mecca so that they may face their punishment.

Before meeting the King at his court, the idol-worshippers from Mecca distributed a lot of presents and gifts to the courtiers in order to attract their attention and buy their support. The courtiers promised to cooperate with the polytheists of Mecca in the best possible manner, and arranged a meeting of the polytheists and the King in his court.

When the representatives of the infidels of the Quraysh met the King at his court, they fell on their knees and addressed the King of Ethiopia, “O King! A group of ignorant youths has emigrated from Mecca to your country.