The First Muslim to Perform Hijrah with his Family

Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Hazrat Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had left for Abyssinia, performing Hijrah with his respected wife, Hazrat Ruqayyah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), the blessed daughter of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

News of their condition was delayed, and hence Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) became concerned and would come out of Makkah Mukarramah, seeking information in their regard. Eventually, a woman came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and gave him information regarding them.

On this occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) remarked, “Hazrat Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is the first person to perform Hijrah in the path of Allah Ta‘ala with his family after Nabi Lut (‘alaihis salaam).” (Majma’uz Zawaa’id #14498)

In another narration, it is mentioned that when Hazrat Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) intended performing Hijrah to Abyssinia, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said to him, “Take Hazrat Ruqayyah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) with you. I feel that each of you will support and encourage the other to persevere.”

After a while from the time of their departure, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked Hazrat Asmaa (radhiyallahu ‘anha), the respected daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), to enquire regarding them. After enquiring, she found Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) with her respected father, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

She said, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! I received information that Hazrat Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is presently travelling in the direction of the sea in the condition that his respected family, Hazrat Ruqayyah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) is seated on a saddled donkey.”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) became pleased and said, “O Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)! They are the first people in the world to perform Hijrah in the path of Allah Ta‘ala after the two Ambiyaa, Nabi Lut (‘alaihis salaam) and Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam), performed Hijrah.” (Mustadrak Haakim #6849)