The Life of the Prophet Muhammad by Ibn Kathir - Volume 2 of 4

IMAM ABU AL-FIDP IsM~?L IBN KATH~R 17
"Would that I knew how it is so far off for Ja'far and 'Amr, and it is relatives who
can he the most bitter enemies.
And whether the actions of the Negus towards Ja'far and his companions are still
kind, or whether some mischief-maker has hindered that.
You should know, may you avoid disaster, that you are noble, and that no alien
would have complaint to you.
We know that God has given you much abundance, and that the means of all goodness
is attached to you."
Yanus stated, from Ibn Ishaq, "Yazid b. Rumm related to me that Wrwa b.
al-Zubayr said, 'It was really Wthman b. 'Affm, God bless hi, who spoke with
the Negus and it is well-known that it was Jacfar, God bless him, who was the
translator. "'
Ziyad al-Bakkrd'i stated, from Ibn Ishaq, "Yazid b. Ramm related to me from
Wrwa, that 'A'isha, God bless her, said, 'After the Negus died, it was said that a
light could still be seen at his grave."'
Aba Ddad related this from Muhammad b. 'Amr al-hi, from Salama b.
al-Fadl, from Muhammad b. Ishiiq, as follows, "When the Negus, God bless
him, died, we used to say that a light could still he seen at his grave."
Ziyad related, from Muhammad b. Ishxq, "Jacfar b. Muhammad related to me
that his father said, 'The Abyssinians gathered together and told the Negus,
"You have abandoned our faith." Then they revolted against hi.'
"He sent to Jacfar and his companions and prepared boats for them, telling
them, 'Embark on these, and remain as you are. If I am defeated then leave for
wherever you want. If I am victorious, then stay.'
"He then made his way to a document and wrote down the words, 'He testifies
that there is no god but God and that Jesus is His slave, His messenger, His spirit
and His word that he cast unto Mary.' He then placed the document inside his
gown at his right shoulder.
"He then went outside to the Abyssinians who were lined up before him and
said, '0 Abyssinians, am I not your rightful leader?' 'Yes,' they replied.
"'And how,' he asked, 'do you rate my conduct towards you?'
"'As fine conduct.'
"'So why are you discontented?'
"'You have abandoned our faith and claimed that Jesus is His slave and His
messenger.'
"'And what is it you say of Jesus?' he asked them.
"'We say that he is the son of God.'
"Placing his hand across his chest over his gown, he then gave his testimony
that, 'Jesus, son of Mary, was no more than this.' But he meant what he had
written.
"His people were satisfied and left.