Speech on Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) (and message of Islam)
There have been many biographies written and speeches given on
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) that have provided a glimpse of his life,
the role that he played as a Messenger of God, and the message that he
brought for mankind. However, the speech delivered by Ja‘far bin Abi
Talib to the Christian king of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in the 7th
century to date is referenced as one of the most succinct and eloquent
speeches that captured the moments of that era, and expressed the
message of Islam concisely and clearly.
The speech was delivered in the fifth year of Muhammad’s Prophethood.
As we recall from the early days of Islam when Muslims were tortured,
persecuted, and humiliated in many ways, a few Muslims emigrated to take
refuge in Abyssinia (Ethiopia) that was ruled by Ashamah Negus (also
known as al-Najashi), a Christian king. The prophet had known him as a
fair ruler and thus had permitted the followers of Islam to take refuge
in his kingdom.
Makkah’s Quraish, who at the time were amongst the foremost in
persecuting the new Muslims could not tolerate the Muslims living
peacefully in the Christian kingdom. Hence, they made a last ditch
effort to get those Muslims extradited to Makkah and sent two of their
strongest envoys to demand their extradition. Those envoys were Amr bin
Al-As and Abdullah bin Abi Rabia (the two embraced Islam a few years
later). The two envoys took valuable gifts for the king and his clergy
in the hopes of convincing the king to return the new Muslims. The pagan
envoys demanded the Muslims’ extradition on grounds that they had
abandoned the religion of their forefathers, and their leader (Mohammad)
was preaching a religion different from theirs and from that of the
king.
On hearing the claims against Muslims that the envoys had presented,
the Christian king summoned the Muslims to his court. The Muslims
selected Jafar bin Abi Talib to speak on their behalf. With silence in
the court, Jafar bin Abi Talib stood up and addressed the king in the
following words:
“O king! we were plunged in the depth of ignorance and
barbarism; we adored idols, we lived in unchastity, we ate the dead
bodies, and we spoke abominations, we disregarded every feeling of
humanity, and the duties of hospitality and neighborhood were neglected;
we knew no law but that of the strong, when Allah
raised among us a man, of whose birth, truthfulness, honesty, and
purity we were aware; and he called to the Oneness of Allah , and taught
us not to associate anything with Him. He forbade us the worship of
idols; and he enjoined us to speak the truth, to be faithful to our
trusts, to be merciful and to regard the rights of the neighbors and
kith and kin; he forbade us to speak evil of women, or to eat the
substance of orphans; he ordered us to fly from the vices, and to
abstain from evil; to offer prayers, to render alms, and to observe
fast. We have believed in him, we have accepted his teachings and his
injunctions to worship Allah, and not to associate anything with Him,
and we have allowed what He has allowed, and prohibited what He has
prohibited. For this reason, our people have risen against us, have
persecuted us in order to make us forsake the worship of Allah and
return to the worship of idols and other abominations. They have
tortured and injured us, until finding no safety among them; we have
come to your country, and hope you will protect us from oppression.” [Reference: Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum]
It is quite obvious from the speech that it has stood the test of
time and delivers the message of Islam today just as effectively as it
did more than 1400 years ago. The eloquence of the speech leaves no
doubt regarding the strength of the faith and clarity of the new
Muslims’ understanding of Islam and the message brought by Allah’s
messenger. This speech also serves as a reminder not just for us Muslims
but also for those who are still struggling to get the message that
Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought for mankind.
