As opposition intensified, vulnerable Muslims were insulted, tortured and pressured to abandon their faith. The Prophet ﷺ permitted a group to migrate to Abyssinia, saying there was a king there under whom no one was wronged.
When Quraysh sought their return, Jaʿfar ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه explained Islam’s transformation of their conduct and recited verses concerning Maryam and ʿIsa عليهما السلام. The Negus granted them protection. The episode honours principled refuge, truthful interfaith encounter and justice wherever it is found.