Their prostration at the close of Surah Al-Najim had left the Quraysh looking weak. This loss of strength had to be countered with increased hostility, or people would think they had become convinced of the truth of Muhammad’s message. Therefore, they began to intensify their persectuiton of the Muslims.

Furthermore, the Quraysh were growing jealous of the hospitality the King of Abyssinia had extended to the Muslim immigrants in his country. They resolved to match his kindness to the Muslims in hostility.

For reasons of safety, the Prophet decided to again have a group of Muslims migrate to Abyssinia. Eighty-two or eighty three men and eighteen women got themselves ready for the journey. This time, of course, it would not be easy for them to slip past the Quraysh, but they managed to flee Makkah without their enemies noticing.