In this article, we will explore the Migration to Abyssinia, also known as the First Hijra, an important episode in the early history of Islam. During the early 7th century AD, the first followers of the Islamic prophet Muhammad faced persecution and opposition from members of the Quraysh, the powerful tribe that dominated Mecca in the Arabian Peninsula. As the Muslim community struggled to practise its faith safely, some of its members sought protection beyond Arabia. They travelled across the Red Sea to Abyssinia, a region associated with modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, where they were granted refuge under the rule of the Kingdom of Aksum, an influential African kingdom known for its political power, commercial networks and Christian traditions. This migration is remembered as one of the earliest examples of the Muslim community seeking safety and religious freedom outside Arabia.The First Hijra is particularly significant because it highlights the historical connections between Africa and the beginnings of Islam.

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