Special story for our Christian Guests:

The Christian King al-Najashi

In the earlier days of Islam the Muslims were very few in number, and the idolaters who were opposed to Islam used to persecute the Muslims. Being so few. the Muslims could do nothing to stop their persecution, and they thought it better to migrate to Avicenna (presently known Ethiopia), where they could live freely and in accordance with the Islamic principles. Therefore. after a trip across the desert a group of them boarded a ship bound for Avicenna. The king of Avicenna was called al-Najashi (Negus). and was a Christian. When informed of the Muslims' arrival in his country. he kindly granted them asylum and treated them with kindness.

As soon as the news of the Muslims' secret migration reached the idolaters in Makkah, they became very angry. They sent two of their men to Avicenna laden with costly gifts, and it was their task to have the Muslims arrested and sent back to Makkah. Arriving in Avicenna they went to al-Najashi's court and paid him homage and presented to him their gifts. Al-Najashi asked them: "Where have you come from? What do you want?" The Makkans replied: "We have come from the city of Makkah. A number of our youth have given up our religion. They have stopped worshipping our gods and have now taken refuge in your country. The lords and nobles of Makkah call on you to arrest these youths and deliver them to us, so that we may return them to our city to be punished."

Al-Najashi told them that the matter would be investigated. Then he summoned the Muslims to his palace and, in the presence of his Christian scholars. he asked them: "What was your previous religion? What is your present religion? Why have you migrated to this country?" The Muslims' spokesman was Ja'far ibn Ah Talib. a selfless young man who was full of belief. He replied: "In our city the rich and greedy oppress the weak. The people worship idols. They eat carrion and perform all types of evil deeds. They are not kind with one another and persecute their neighbors." "In these circumstances we have been blessed by Allah who has sent us a Prophet (P.B.U.H.), a man known for his truth and trustworthiness. He has brought to us from Allah the religion of Islam."

Hearing this, al-Najashi leaned forward in his seat, so as to pay more attention to Ja'far and learn about Islam and what it says. Ja'far stayed silent for a moment, then looked at the Christian scholars and continued: "The religion of Islam tells us not to worship idols, and that we must only worship the One True God, and accept His commands." "The religion of Islam tells us to be truthful, trustworthy and loyal. We must be kind and generous to our relatives and slaves, and treat our neighbors with goodness. Nor should we shed the blood of innocent people for no reason, and must give up all our evil deeds. We should not talk badly of people, nor insult them, and we should not speak without a purpose. We must not steal the wealth of orphans, we must perform the prayer and must spend a portion of our money in acts of charity."

AI-Najashi and the Christian scholars listened care fully to these words. and were delighted but the Makkans were biting their lips in annoyance. Ja'far continued: "O king of Avicenna. the Prophet Muhammad has brought the religion of Islam and we have accepted it. We believe in Allah and in His Messenger and have become Muslims. But as soon as we became Muslims the idolaters of Makkah became angry and began to persecute us. Thus we were obliged to leave the city and seek asylum here in this country to be free to worship Allah and perform the works of our religion." By now al-Njashi was extremely pleased and said to Ja'far: "The words of Isa (Jesus) (P.B.U.H.) and the words of your Prophet have descended from the same source. Both are the Words of the God. Therefore, you are free to remain in this country. Perform your devotions freely, and remain followers of Islam. Truly, what a good religion you have!" Then he turned to the Makkans and said: `I do not take bribes. Pick up the things you have brought and go and you must know that I will never hand over to you any of the Muslims. Go this very minute, and return to Makkah as fast as you can... at once!" Thus the two men, sorry and ashamed, picked up the gifts they had brought and left the court in disgrace.

Final note: We encourage all Christians interested in learning about Islam to research Jesus (aka Isa) in the Quran (aka Koran).

This broadcast may not be copied for free posting, distribution, or resale

without the written authorization of Muslim Audio.