Islam and Human Rights — Page 117
Articles 13-15 117 Prophet, went across, but were followed by a delegation of the Quraish, who demanded that the fugitives be delivered over to them. The Emperor heard both sides and rejected the demands of the Meccans, assuring the Muslims that they could dwell in the land with out fear of molestation. 60 Later, as persecution continued to mount in Mecca and a number of the people of Medina had accepted Islam and had expressed their willingness to receive and afford assistance to their harassed and persecuted brethren of Mecca, the Prophet directed that those who could do so should migrate to Medina. 61 When almost all who were free to do so had migrated to Medina, he himself received the Divine com mand to leave Mecca and to proceed to Medina. He per formed the journey at great hazard, in the company of Abu Bakr, one of his earliest and most devoted followers. 62 Since their foremost obligation, the upholding of moral and spiritual values as a community, had been made imposs ible for them in Mecca, emigration from 60 Sirat lbn Hisham I, Ch. :Migration to Ethiopia. 61 Bukhari II, Sect. :Beginning of Creation, Ch. :Migration of the Holy Prophet and His Companions to Medina. 62 Ibid.