A Historical and Daʿwah-Centered Analysis of the Migration to Abyssinia and a Critical Study of the Evolutionary Paradigms in Seerah Historiography

Abstract

The migration to Abyssinia (al-Hijrah ilā al-Ḥabashah) represents a pivotal milestone in early Islamic history, marking not only a strategic response to persecution in Makkah but also the first instance of Islam’s engagement beyond the Arabian Peninsula. This study provides a comprehensive historical and daʿwah-oriented analysis of the migration, highlighting its socio-political, religious, and strategic dimensions. It examines the circumstances that compelled the early Muslims to migrate, the rationale behind the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) selection of Abyssinia as a destination, and the significance of the just rule of Negus (al-Najāshī). The research further explores the diplomatic encounter between the Quraysh envoys and the Muslim representatives, particularly the eloquent address of Jaʿfar ibn Abī Ṭālib, which exemplifies the universal message of Islam and its compatibility with other monotheistic traditions. In addition, the study critically analyzes the evolution of Seerah historiography, comparing classical narrative styles with modern analytical approaches in documenting the event.

The findings suggest that the migration to Abyssinia was not merely an act of refuge but a well-calculated strategic initiative that contributed to the preservation of faith, the establishment of interfaith dialogue, and the globalization of the Islamic message. It also underscores the enduring relevance of this event in understanding minority Muslim experiences and ethical coexistence in pluralistic societies.

Keywords: Migration to Abyssinia, Islam, Seerah, Historiography, Daʿwah Strategy, Negus, Quraysh, Interfaith Dialogue, Islamic History, Strategic Migration, Muslim, Minority