Final answer:
The Meccans requested King Negus to extradite the Muslim refugees to Mecca. However, King Negus protected the refugees, allowing them to practice their faith in Aksum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Meccans asked King Negus to extradite the Muslim refugees. The early Muslims who were persecuted in Mecca found refuge in the Christian Kingdom of Aksum, under the leadership of King Negus of what is modern-day Ethiopia. These early Muslims were part of "the first hijra," seeking safety and freedom to practice their faith.
In this context, the Negus was asked by the Meccans to send back the Muslim refugees who had fled from Meccan persecution. However, King Negus provided shelter to these refugees and allowed them to practice Islam under his protection, refusing to extradite them and thus playing a crucial role in the survival and spread of Islam during its formative years.