Islam's First Refuge
In approximately 615 CE, early Muslims facing persecution in Mecca fled to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) at the Prophet Muhammad's direction. This event, known as the First Hijra, established Ethiopia's unique place in Islamic history.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year | ~615 CE (circa 5th year of Prophethood) |
| Destination | Aksumite kingdom |
| Ruler | King Armah (Najashi / An-Najashi) |
| Number | ~83 Muslims, including Umm Salama, Ja''far ibn Abi Talib |
The Story
Threatened with violence, Muhammad advised his followers: "In the land of Ethiopia there is a king under whom no one is treated with injustice. Go there, for God may grant you relief." The refugees were welcomed and protected.
Najashi's Role
The Aksumite king An-Najashi (known to Muslims as al-Najashi) refused to hand the Muslims over when Meccan envoys demanded their return. According to tradition, he was moved by Ja''far's recitation of Quranic verses about Jesus and Mary.
Prophet's Response
When Najashi died, the Prophet Muhammad is said to have performed the Absentee Prayer (salat al-ghaib) for him — a highly honored gesture, suggesting many hold that Najashi accepted Islam.
Legacy
The First Hijra established a lasting memory: Ethiopia was the first land outside Arabia to host Muslims in peace and protection. This shaped Islamic attitudes toward Ethiopia for centuries.
Relevance to Oromo
The Oromo were not yet named as such in Ethiopia during this era. Still, the Hijra's geographic arrival in the Horn set the stage for Islam's later spread into Oromo territories.
Key takeaway: The First Hijra (c. 615 CE) made Ethiopia Islam's first refuge — a foundational moment with enduring symbolic weight.