Some of the early Muslims migrated to Abyssinia. Give an account of the events of this migration.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] The Muslims in Makka, mainly those without tribal protection and slaves, were being persecuted by the Quraysh. An ayat was revealed about the earth being spacious for believers (39.10). The Prophet (pbuh) allowed some followers to go to Abyssinia to seek protection from its king, the Negus, in the 5th year of prophethood (614/615). ‘Uthman and Ruqayya went in the first migration of 12 men and 4 women, whereupon the Quraysh chased them but the migrants managed to board a boat before the Quraysh got to them. Some came back from Abyssinia when they falsely heard that the Quraysh had accepted Islam. The persecutions increased and later the second delegation of 83 men and 19 women, was led by the Prophet’s cousin, Ja’far ibn Abi Talib. ‘Amr ibn al-‘As and ‘Abdullah ibn Abi Rabi’a followed them and asked the king to return the Muslims. The Negus called the Muslims to give their account; Ja’far told him of the way they lived before Islam. They returned the next day and the Makkans accused the Muslims of having strange beliefs about Jesus. Ja’far then recited verses from Sura Maryam. The Negus drew a line in the sand saying that the difference between Islam and Christianity was as thin as that line. The Negus was moved to tears, and he allowed the Muslims to stay in Abyssinia in peace and freedom. The Quraysh envoys were given their gifts back and sent away. The Muslims lived here in peace until they moved to Madina.
2. [4] Muslims around the world are facing persecution, such as in Syria and Myanmar, and are migrating to other countries like Jordan and Turkey, and Bangladesh. It could be said that the migrations are similar as Muslims are leaving their own countries to seek safety in another country, and often they are welcomed in the country they are migrating to. They can be given freedom to live and work as well as protection from persecution. However, some may say it is not like the migration to Abyssinia as many current migrants live in refugee camps, where resources are limited and they do not have access to basic amenities and education. Sometimes not everyone welcomes them, and the experience can be very distressing. Also, many Muslims now are economic migrants who move for work and financial reasons so it is not similar.