Event

Civil War in the Land of the Najashi

Name: Civil War in the Land of the Najashi
Location: Abyssinia

~At some point during the Muslims' stay in Abyssinia, before their return in 7 AH

What happened

Later during the Muslims' stay in Abyssinia, a rival claimant to the Abyssinian throne rose against the Najashi, and matters escalated into a full civil war, fought on the banks of the Nile. Fearing the Najashi's defeat would mean losing their protection, the Muslims debated who would go to watch the battle so they would know whether to flee; Zubayr ibn al-Awwam RA volunteered, while the rest prayed fervently for the Najashi's victory. Zubayr returned with news that the Najashi had won.

Significance

Umm Salama RA later recalled the episode as one of the most frightening times of their exile, tying the Muslims' safety in Abyssinia directly to the Najashi's hold on power.

Around this time

Other events recorded around the same time. Their order within the year is not established; use the storyline above for the sequence.

PersecutionAbu Lahab Takes Over the Banu Hashim and Withdraws His Protection~Shortly after the death of Abu Talib, 10th year of the dawah (c. 620 CE) · 2 BH DeathDeath of Abu Talib~when the Prophet ﷺ was around 50 years old DeathDeath of Khadija bint Khuwaylid RA~10th of Ramadan, 10th year of the dawah (c. 620 CE) · 2 BH DeathDeath of Ubaydillah ibn Jahsh in Abyssinia~During the Muslims' stay in Abyssinia, some years after the second migration (c. 620 CE) · 2 BH MiracleDu'a, Addas, and the Angel of the Mountains at Qarn al-Manazil~Shortly after the stoning at Ta'if (c. 620 CE) · 2 BH MarriageMarriage of the Prophet ﷺ and Sawda bint Zam'a~Shawwal, 10th year of the dawah (c. 620 CE) · 2 BH PledgeMut'im ibn Adi Grants the Prophet ﷺ Protection~About ten days after being driven out of Ta'if (c. 620 CE) · 2 BH PledgeThe First Covenant of Aqaba~11th year of the dawah, c. 2 years before the Hijrah · 2 BH PersecutionThe Incident of Ta'if~Shawwal, a few weeks after the deaths of Khadijah RA and Abu Talib (c. 620 CE) · 2 BH MiracleThe Night of the Jinn at Nakhla~On the return journey from Ta'if to Makkah (c. 620 CE) · 2 BH DelegationThe Prophet ﷺ's Approach to Banu Shayban ibn Tha'laba~10th year of the dawah DelegationThe Prophet ﷺ's Approach to the Tribe of Kindah~10th year of the dawah

Sayings & Actions3

Umm Salama RA

Narration · Civil war in Abyssinia

We began to be scared that the Najashi would be defeated and somebody else would be installed in his place. And we didn't know what to do. What shall we do? Who will venture to the battlefield to witness the outcome, so that we can leave if needed?

Zubayr ibn al-Awwam RA

Saying · Civil war in Abyssinia

I will go and see how the battle unfolds, so we know what to do.

withAs'hama ibn Abjar

Zubayr ibn al-Awwam RA

Saying · Civil war in Abyssinia

Rejoice! Indeed, the Najashi has emerged victorious!

Umm Salama RA

Supplication · Civil war in Abyssinia

O Allah, allow the Najashi to remain in power, and give him authority and dominion over the land.

As'hama ibn Abjar

Saying · During the civil war against his nephew in Abyssinia

If my nephew kills me, go to such-and-such a place, and there is a ship waiting just for you.

Said to the Muslim emigrants in Abyssinia in case he was killed by his rival in the civil war.

People involved4

Umm Salama RA
narrator
Zubayr ibn al-Awwam RA
scout — Volunteered to watch the battle on the banks of the Nile.
As'hama ibn Abjar
combatant — The defending ruler whose victory the Muslims prayed for.
As'hama ibn Abjar
leader

Civil War in the Land of the Najashi

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Sayings & Actions3

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People involved4

Civil War in the Land of the Najashi

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What happened

Significance

Around this time

Sayings & Actions3

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People involved4