Baqir al-Olum University History of Islam 2008-6431 26 1 2025 03 21 A Narrative-Historical Analysis of Reports of the Conversion of Negus, King of Abyssinia, to Islam A Narrative-Historical Analysis of Reports of the Conversion of Negus, King of Abyssinia, to Islam 104 81 77505 10.22081/hiq.2022.61658.2194 FA Gasem Bostanee Ph.D in Quran and Hadith Sciences; Professor, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Mina Shamkhi Ph.D in Quran and Hadith Sciences; Associate Professor, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Isss Mahmoodi Mazreavi Ph.D in Qur’an and Hadith Sciences; Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Journal Article 2021 08 19 This study seeks to critically examine the textual and documental reliability of hadiths and historical reports within the Islamic tradition that assert the conversion to Islam of the Negus, the king of Abyssinia, during the Prophet Mohammad’s lifetime. Establishing the veracity of these claims holds particular significance, as it implies that Islam from its earliest stages, found followers in neighboring lands beyond the Arabian Peninsula. However, the validation of such a claim is contingent upon establishing the authenticity of the relevant reports, both narratively and historically. Utilizing a qualitative analytical approach based on library-sourced data, this study first scrutinizes the reports related to the Negus’s conversion in terms of their transmission chains and the presence of contradictory accounts. Five distinct narrations on this issue are identified in early hadith collections, whose chains of transmission are evaluated using biographical and hadith criticism methodologies. The article further examines narrations concerning the Prophet’s (PBUH) seeking forgiveness for him and performing a funeral prayer at the time of his death, which some have taken as evidence of the Negus’s Islam. These are then contrasted with a body of opposing reports that suggest the Negus either rejected Islam or actively disrespected the Prophet’s message, such as by tearing up or burning his letter of invitation to Islam. The study proceeds to evaluate the timeline and nature of the Negus’s alleged conversion-whether it was public or covert—and assesses the historical plausibility of these narratives in light of broader historical developments. The findings indicate that many of the reports cited in support of the Negus’s conversion suffer from weak or problematic chains of transmission. Even those narrations considered sound—such as the Prophet’s request for forgiveness on the Negus’s behalf—are, upon closer inspection, insufficient in definitively establishing his acceptance of Islam. In contrast, conflicting reports suggest outright rejection, casting doubt on the traditional account. Moreover, some later scholars have attempted to reconcile these contradictions by hypothesizing the existence of two distinct individuals named "Negus," one of whom converted and the other who did not. However, these attempts at harmonization remain speculative and unsupported by definitive historical evidence. Additional contradictions emerge regarding the timing and manner of the Negus’s alleged conversion, with significant variation among historical sources. One of the key findings of this research is that the Negus’s conversion to Islam has remained a debated issue among both classical and contemporary scholars. While some have taken it as an established and indisputable fact, others argue that the Negus never formally accepted Islam but merely expressed sympathy or respect toward Muslims. Furthermore, the narrative of his conversion appears incongruent with certain established historical facts and events. The study concludes that, on both narrative and historical grounds, the question of whether the Negus of Abyssinia converted to Islam cannot be definitively confirmed or denied. This study seeks to critically examine the textual and documental reliability of hadiths and historical reports within the Islamic tradition that assert the conversion to Islam of the Negus, the king of Abyssinia, during the Prophet Mohammad’s lifetime. Establishing the veracity of these claims holds particular significance, as it implies that Islam from its earliest stages, found followers in neighboring lands beyond the Arabian Peninsula. However, the validation of such a claim is contingent upon establishing the authenticity of the relevant reports, both narratively and historically. Utilizing a qualitative analytical approach based on library-sourced data, this study first scrutinizes the reports related to the Negus’s conversion in terms of their transmission chains and the presence of contradictory accounts. Five distinct narrations on this issue are identified in early hadith collections, whose chains of transmission are evaluated using biographical and hadith criticism methodologies. The article further examines narrations concerning the Prophet’s (PBUH) seeking forgiveness for him and performing a funeral prayer at the time of his death, which some have taken as evidence of the Negus’s Islam. These are then contrasted with a body of opposing reports that suggest the Negus either rejected Islam or actively disrespected the Prophet’s message, such as by tearing up or burning his letter of invitation to Islam. The study proceeds to evaluate the timeline and nature of the Negus’s alleged conversion-whether it was public or covert—and assesses the historical plausibility of these narratives in light of broader historical developments. The findings indicate that many of the reports cited in support of the Negus’s conversion suffer from weak or problematic chains of transmission. Even those narrations considered sound—such as the Prophet’s request for forgiveness on the Negus’s behalf—are, upon closer inspection, insufficient in definitively establishing his acceptance of Islam. In contrast, conflicting reports suggest outright rejection, casting doubt on the traditional account. Moreover, some later scholars have attempted to reconcile these contradictions by hypothesizing the existence of two distinct individuals named "Negus," one of whom converted and the other who did not. However, these attempts at harmonization remain speculative and unsupported by definitive historical evidence. Additional contradictions emerge regarding the timing and manner of the Negus’s alleged conversion, with significant variation among historical sources. One of the key findings of this research is that the Negus’s conversion to Islam has remained a debated issue among both classical and contemporary scholars. While some have taken it as an established and indisputable fact, others argue that the Negus never formally accepted Islam but merely expressed sympathy or respect toward Muslims. Furthermore, the narrative of his conversion appears incongruent with certain established historical facts and events. The study concludes that, on both narrative and historical grounds, the question of whether the Negus of Abyssinia converted to Islam cannot be definitively confirmed or denied. https://hiq.bou.ac.ir/article_77505_dc3e2d13baa8fd780cd62761073d27fe.pdf