Indexed OCR Text

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Chapter 20
شیئا ولا يتخذ بعضنا بعضا اربابا من دون الله فان تولوا فقولوا
اشهدوا بانا مسلمون
“Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
From Muhammad, the slave of Allah, to Hiraql (Heraclius), the head of Rome.
Salaam upon those who adhere to divine guidance.
I invite you with the phrase that will bring you closer to Islam (the phrase of
Kalimah Tayyibah.) Embrace Islam and you will be safe and Allah will reward you
twofold. (In the Holy Qur-aan, Allah Ta'ala assures the people of the book a twofold
reward for embracing Islam.) So if you turn down this invitation, the sin of the
entire populace will be on your shoulders. 'O people of the scripture! Come to such a
word that, between us, is an acknowledged fact; that we do not worship anyone but
Allah and we do not ascribe partners unto Him and that none of us will take others
as lords besides Allah. Then if they turn away, say: 'Bear witness that we are
Muslims.'
Handing this letter over to Hadhrat Dihyaa Kalbi ◌ُورَضِ اللَّهُ عَنْه Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم sent
him off to the emperor of Rome. At that instant, the emperor had just arrived in
Baitul-Maqdis on foot from Hims in demonstration of his gratitude over the defeat
of the Persians. Hadhrat Dihyaa Kalbi Redukse landed in Baitul-Maqdis in Muharram
7 A.H. and through the auspices of the governor of Busra, he availed himself in the
royal court of the Roman emperor where he presented the letter.
Before handing over the letter, he delivered a short sermon.
Hadhrat Dihyaa's Medkg Sermon in the Emperor's court
"O Roman emperor! The personage who appointed me as his emissary is far
superior than you are, and the divine Being who elected him as His Messenger is
the most superior and elevated. So I urge you to listen to whatever I have to say
with humility and I implore you to answer my questions with utmost sincerity. If
you fail to listen with humility you will not be able to duly understand and if you
lack sincerity in your answers, your response will not be impartial and just."
The emperor replied: "Okay, go on."
Hadhrat Dihyaa Medkg continued: "You are well aware that Hadhrat Maseeh
bin Maryam "Liche used to offer Salaah?"
"Yes, without doubt he used to perform Salaah," replied the emperor.
Hadhrat Dihyaa Medkg said: "I invite you unto the Being to Whom Hadhrat
Maseeh Lich offered his Salaah, before Whom he would bow his forehead, the
Being Who created Hadhrat Maseeh in the womb of his mother and the Being who

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created all the heavens and the earths. Thereafter, I invite you to the unlettered
Messenger about whom Hadhrat Musa plate and Hadhrat 'Isa palack issued glad
tidings. Besides, you are adequately acquainted with these facts. If you accept this
invitation you will be successful in this world as well as the hereafter otherwise
your hereafter will prove disastrous for you and not only that, you will have
partners in this world (challenging your kingship and laying claim to your power).
Be rest assured that you have only one Lord Who wields absolute power to crush
the agnostics and bear in mind that He continues changing His fortunes."
Taking the letter of Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم from Hadhrat Dihyaa ◌ُرَضِ اللَّهُ عَنْه, the
emperor placed it on his head and his eyes and respectfully kissed it. He then
opened it and after perusing it he remarked: "I will ponder over it and respond to it
by tomorrow."
He then bade his servants to summon to court anyone they come across locally
who hailed from the same family as Rasulullah Uckaf, as he wanted to make
further enquiries from them. Coincidentally, Abu Sufyaan, with a group of other
Qurayshis, was on a business expedition in Shaam. He was camped at Ghazzah.
Abu Sufyaan had not yet embraced Islam. The emperor's messenger fetched him
from Ghazzah and presented him before the royal court. With grand pomp and
splendour, the court was convened. All the Roman noblemen, clergy, monks and
other leading figures were in attendance.
The emperor first addressed the Arabs saying: "Amongst you who is the
closest relative to this man who claims to be a Prophet?" Abu Sufyaan replied: "I
am the closest to him." The emperor directed: "You come and sit close to me." He
then charged the others to sit behind Abu Sufyaan. The emperor addressed the
others and said: "I am going to ask him a few questions. If he speaks a lie, you
should point it out."
Abu Sufyaan says: "If I did not have the fear of these people falsifying me, I
would have certainly perverted the truth."
Thereafter the following conversation took place between Abu Sufyaan and
the emperor:
Emperor: How is his family lineage amongst you?
Abu Sufyaan: He is a man of a noble lineage. Nobody else is favoured with
such an illustrious ancestry.
Emperor: Were there any kings amongst his ancestors?
Abu Sufyaan: No.
Emperor: Did you ever find him speaking lies before he laid this claim to
prohethood?
Abu Sufyaan: No.
Emperor: What class of people do his followers belong to; the rich and mighty
or the poor and weak?
Abu Sufyaan: Most of them are poor and weak.
Emperor: Are his adherents increasing day-by-day or decreasing?
Abu Sufyaan: They are increasing day by day.

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Emperor: Is there anyone who entered this Deen and renounced it out of
aversion for it?
Abu Sufyaan: No.
Emperor: Does he ever go against his word?
Abu Sufyaan: Never! Up to this day he has not breached his word. However,
nowadays we have a truce enforced between us. I have no idea if he has breached
the terms of this truce during the interim. (Abu Sufyaan later commented: "Besides
this one sentence, I was unable to sneak in anything else, but by Allah, the emperor
did not take any heed of this statement of mine.")
Emperor: Did you ever engage him in battle?
Abu Sufyaan: Yes.
Emperor: How was the fighting between you?
Abu Sufyaan: Sometimes he would be dominant and sometimes we would
prevail.
Emperor: What does he instruct you to do?
Abu Sufyaan: He commands us to worship Allah and to abstain from ascribing
any partners unto Him. He commanded us to immediately forsake all our ancestral
customs of shirk and kufr perpetrated by our forefathers. He also instructs us to
perform Salaah and pay Zakaat and to adhere to truthfulness, chastity and
favourable family ties.
Addressing his interpreter, the emperor said: "Inform our guest that I first
asked him about this Messenger's family lineage and you replied that he is a man
of a noble and illustrious lineage. Undoubtedly, all the Prophets hail from families
that are very noble and illustrious. I then asked you if there were any kings
amongst his ancestors and you replied in the negative. If there were any kings
amongst his forefathers I would have assumed that this man is merely attempting
to retrieve his family's lost kingship. I then asked you if he ever spoke a lie and you
denied this. I inferred from this that how is it possible for a man who does not
speak lies about people but, Allah forbid, he attributes falsehood to Allah? When I
enquired from you who his followers are, you replied that the bulk of his adherents
are weak and poor. I then asked you if his followers are increasing or decreasing
day by day. You replied that they are increasing. Without doubt, this is the true
condition of Imaan. Its adherents increase day by day until it reaches a level of
perfection. I then asked you if anyone who adopted this religion subsequently
renounced it out of resentment or revulsion and you replied in the negative. This is
the status of Imaan. Once its sweetness and delight penetrates the hearts, it cannot
under any circumstances be extracted. I then asked if he ever breached his word
and you replied in the negative. Indisputably, this is the condition of the true
Prophets. They do not ever go against their word. I then asked you about the
hostilities between you and you replied that at times you are dominant and at
times he is. Undoubtedly, in the initial stages, this is how the divine scheme of
Allah Ta'ala works. Sometimes He makes them victorious and at times they are
bound to suffer defeat. This is to put his follower's sincerity and devotion to the

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test. However, ultimately they are guaranteed victory and dominance. I then
enquired from you about his instructions to you. You replied that he commands
you to worship Allah alone without ascribing any partner unto Him. He prevents
you from idol-worship and he instructs you to observe Salaah, pay Zakaat and
adhere to truthfulness, chastity, etc.
If whatever you say is really true, then no doubt this man is the divine
Messenger. Soon he will govern this land under my feet. I knew that the emergence
of a Messenger was imminent but I had no idea that he would emerge from you
(the Arabs). I cherish a profound desire to meet him. If I ever happen to be in his
presence, I would wash his feet (in esteem)."
The emperor then read out the blessed letter to the entire gathering of people.
He barely managed to read the letter to the people when all hell broke loose.
Chaotic bellows of disapproval were heard from every corner of the imperial court.
Abu Sufyaan relates: "At that instant we were all swiftly ushered out of court.
Once we landed on the outside, I remarked (to my fellow countrymen): 'It is
astonishing, even the emperor of the Roman Empire is terrified of him (Rasulullah
Lucía[.).' On that day I was genuinely led to believe that the Deen of Rasulullah
Ligaclaus is set to prevail over all others, until Allah Ta'ala bestowed me with
divine guidance to embrace Islam."
Imaam Zuhri alds says: "During the reign of 'Abdul Malik bin Marwaan, a
leading Christian priest by the name of Ibn Natur who was present in the imperial
court at the time of this incident related: 'Subsequent to this court episode, the
Emperor wrote a letter to the high priest of Rumiyyah enquiring about Rasulullah
Lucka[ ... The name of this priest was Daghatir Rumi and he was well versed with
the divine scriptures.
Once the Emperor despatched his letter to the priest, he left Baitul-Muqaddas
for Hims (Homs). The Emperor was still in Hims when he received a reply from the
priest saying: 'This is the very same Prophet we have been eagerly awaiting. This is
the Messenger about whom 'Isa palack issued glad tidings. I believe in him and I
will abide by him. There is no doubt about him being a Prophet. You should also
believe in him and consent to adhere to him.'"
On receiving this advice, the Emperor convened a massive court in which he
assembled all the patriarchs of Rome. He then sealed off the court by closing all the
doors. Whilst seated in one of the upper galleries, the Emperor addressed the entire
court thus:
يا معشر الروم! انى قد جمعتكم لخير: انه قد اتانى كتاب هذا الرجل
يدعونی الی دینه وانه والله لنبی الذی کنا نتظره ونجده فی کتبنا
فهلموا فلنتبع ولنصدقه فتسلم لنا دنيانا واخرتنا

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"O Romans! I have assembled you here for a great good. I have received a letter from
this man inviting me towards his religion. By Allah! This is the Prophet whom we
were enthusiastically awaiting and whom we find mentioned in our scriptures. So
come, let us follow him and believe in him. In this manner, both, this world as well
as our hereafter will be secured."
The moment the Roman Patriarchs heard this, they started bellowing in protest and
scuttled to the doors only to find them locked. The emperor summoned them back
to their seats and remarked: "I just wanted to put all of you to the test. I am
exceptionally delighted over your staunchness in faith."
On hearing this, all of them were gripped with ecstasy and they fell to their
knees in prostration before the emperor.
A little later, the emperor summoned Hadhrat Dihyaa Kalbi &ecke, in private
and explained: "I swear by Allah and declare that your friend is without doubt a
divine Messenger. However, I am terrified of my people assassinating me. If it were
not for this anxiety, I would certainly adhere to him. Go to Daghatir, the
archbishop of Rome. He is an exceptionally learned man. His knowledge of these
affairs is far superior to mine. Furthermore, he commands more reverence and
admiration amongst the Romans than I do. Go to him and give him an account of
this divine Messenger."
Hadhrat Dihyaa Kalbi Meals went to Daghatir and gave him a detailed
account of Rasulullah caf .. Daghatir responded by declaring: "By Allah! He is
a divine Messenger. We have encountered his characteristics, conditions and
attributes in our divine scriptures."
Saying this, he withdrew into his quarters, removed the black robes he was
wearing and changed into white robes. Wielding a staff, he then proceeded to the
church where he addressed the people thus:
یا معشر الروم! انه قدجاء نا کتاب من احمد یدعونا فیه الى الله
عزوجل وانى اشهد ان لا اله الا الله وان احمد عبده ورسوله
"O Romans! A letter has come to us from Ahmad in which he invites us towards
Allah, the Almighty. I hereby declare and testify that there is none worthy of
worship besides Allah and Ahmad is His slave and messenger."
The instant the people heard this declaration they fell onto him and beat him to
death. Hadhrat Dihyaa Meals returned to the emperor and recounted whatever he
witnessed. The emperor responded: "I also harbour the same fear. I am terrified of
them treating me in the same manner."
The Roman emperor told Hadhrat Dihyaa Cedule: "I am well aware and do
recognise him to be the true Prophet, as pronounced by archbishop Daghatir but if I

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were to publicly admit this, I will be dispossessed of my kingship and my people
will assassinate me."
However, the emperor failed to take heed of the statement of Rasulullah
:mentioned in the letter صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
"Embrace Islam and you will be secure."
Had he embraced Islam, he would have secured this world as well as the
hereafter.
With great reverence, the Emperor concealed this blessed letter of Rasulullah
Lucieauf in a box made out of gold. Ameer Saifud-Deen Mansuri narrates: "King
Mansur once sent me with certain instructions to King Maghrib. On account of
some petition, he sent me to King Faranj who was a descendant of Caesar, the
Roman emperor. As I was about to return, he insisted that I wait. He enticed me by
revealing: 'If you wait I will show you something magnificent and rare.' I waited
until he called for a chest embellished with ingots of gold. He extracted a golden
box from it and opened it. The box contained a letter wrapped in silk. Most of the
words had faded away. The King pointed out: 'This is the letter of your Prophet
addressed to my grandfather, the Caesar. It is in my possession as part of his
legacy. My grandfather made a bequest warning us: 'As long as this letter remains
safe, your empire will remain safe. This is why we take such great pains to protect,
preserve and revere this letter and conceal it from the Christians."
(2) Letter to Chosroe Parvez, emperor of Persia
بِسمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
من محمد رسول الله الى كسرى عظيم فارس، سلام على من اتبع
الهدى، وامن بالله ورسوله وشهد ان لا اله الا الله وحده لا شريك له
وان محمدا عبده و رسوله. ادعوك بدعایة الله عزوجل فانی انا رسول
الله إلى الناس كلهم لا نذر من كان حيا ويحق القول على الكافرين،
اسلم تسلم فان توليت فعليك اثم المجوس
“Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
From Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah to Chosroe, the head of Persia. Salaam
upon those who adhere to divine guidance, believe in Allah and His Messenger and
testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, Who is alone and has no
partner and they testify that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. With the

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divine instruction of Allah, I extend to you an invitation towards the religion of
which I am the Messenger to all the peoples of the world so that I may warn those
whose hearts are alive and that the word of Allah be implemented against the
disbelievers. Embrace Islam and you will be safe. If you decline this invitation, the
sin of all the Zoroastrians will be on your shoulders."
Rasulullah Uckcal. despatched this letter with 'Abdullah bin Huzaafah Sahmi
Real. The moment Chosroe's glance fell onto this letter, he flew into a wild rage.
He tore the letter to pieces and shrieked: "This man has the audacity to write a
letter like this? He is inviting me to embrace Islam whereas he is my slave."
صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ returned and gave Rasulullah رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ Abdullah bin Huzaafah Sahmi'
a detailed report on what transpired. Rasulullah Leaf commented: "Chosroe's
country has fallen to bits and pieces."
On reading the letter, Chosroe wrote to Baazaan, the governor of Yemen to
send two powerful men to apprehend this man who had written this letter to him.
He instructed Baazaan to arrest him and deliver him to the imperial court.
Baazaan promptly sent two men with a letter addressed to Rasulullah
gateau. When these two men appeared with Baazaan's letter before Rasulullah
that صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ they were so overwhelmed with the awe of Rasulullah, صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
they started trembling. Shivering with anxiety, they presented the letter to
صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ On hearing the letter read out to him, Rasulullah. صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Rasulullah
smiled and invited both of them to embrace Islam and asked them to return the
following day. When they returned to Rasulullah cka the following day, he
reported: "Last night at a certain time, Allah Ta'ala enabled Sherwayh to prevail
over his father, Chosroe. Sherwayh executed his father Chosroe."
This incident occurred on Tuesday the tenth of Jumaadal-Ula 7 A.H.
Rasulullah Uckauf. charged both of them to return to Baazaan and give him
an account of what happened. He also added: "Also inform Baazaan that my
religion and my supremacy will reach as far afield as the empire of Chosroe had
reached."
On hearing this, Baazaan remarked: "These surely do seem like the words of a
prophet. If this information is true then I swear by Allah that this man is a divine
Messenger."
Subsequently, this information proved to be correct. Baazaan, together with
his kinsfolk, companions and near and dear ones, all embraced Islam. He also
informed Rasulullah ◌َصَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم of him embracing Islam.

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(3) Letter to Negus, the Emperor of Abyssinia
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
من محمد رسول الله الى النجاشى ملك الحبشه سلام عليك، اما بعد
فانی احمد الیك الله الذى لا اله الا هو الملك، القدوس، السلام،
المؤمن، المهيمن، واشهد ان عيسى بن مريم روح الله وكلمته القاها
الى مريم البتول الطيبة الحصینة فحملت بعیسی فخلقه الله من
روحه ونفخه کما خلق آدم بيده. وانی ادعوك الی الله وحده لا
شريك له والموالاة على طاعته وان تتبعنى وتؤمن بالذى جاءنى فانى
رسول الله وانى ادعوك وجنودك الى الله تعالى فقد بلغت ونصحت
فاقبلوا نصيحتى. والسلام على من اتبع الهدى
“Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
From Muhammad, the slave of Allah, to Negus, the emperor of Abyssinia. Salaam
unto you. I glorify before you the Allah besides Whom there is none worthy of
worship. He is the absolute sovereign, the glorified, free from all defects, provider of
security and protector of everyone. I hereby testify that 'Isa, the son of Maryam is
the Rooh of Allah and His word which He had transmitted into Maryam the chaste
virgin. She fell pregnant with 'Isa. Allah created him from His soul like He created
Aadam with His hand. I hereby invite you towards Allah Who is all alone and He
has no partner. I also invite you to worship Him eternally and that you pursue and
believe in what I have brought (i.e. the Holy Qur-aan). Surely I am the Messenger of
Allah and I invite you and your entire army towards Allah Ta'ala. I have conveyed
the message and offered my advice. I urge you to accept my advice. And Salaam
upon those who adhere to divine guidance."
Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم despatched Hadhrat 'Amr bin Umayyah Damiri ◌ُرَضِ اللَّهُ عَنْه with
this letter. 'Amr bin Umayyah Medkg handed this letter over to the emperor and
addressed him thus: "O Ashamah! I wish to tell you something. I hope you will
listen attentively. We trust you and entertain good thoughts about you. Whenever
we anticipated goodness from you we always acquired it. We were never
confronted with fear and anxiety in your dominion of peace and safety.

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The bible, which according to your own admission, is a reliable source of
evidence, will be an impartial witness between you and me and its testimony
cannot be rejected. It is such a judge and adjudicator that would not go beyond the
limits of justice. If you do not accept this invitation, then you will be to this
unlettered Messenger like the Jews were to Isa ◌ُعَلَيْهِ السَّلام .Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم has
despatched his messengers to the other rulers of the world as well but compared to
the others, we cherish higher expectations of you."
Negus' Response
I hereby testify and swear that he is the same unlettered Prophet who has been
awaited by the people of the scripture. Just as Musa Liche issued glad tidings of
'Isa Liche by referring to him as the rider of the donkey, similarly, he had issued
glad tidings of Muhammad Leaf by referring to him as the rider of the camel.
I have such firm faith in his Prophethood that even after viewing him firsthand, it
would not make an iota of difference in the conviction of my faith."
Negus then accepted the blessed letter of Rasulullah clefs, placed it over
his eyes in reverence, descended from his throne and sat down on the ground. He
then embraced Islam and bore testimony to the truth. Thereafter, he dictated a
reply to Rasulullah's ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم letter.
Negus' Reply to Rasulullah's ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم Letter
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ
الی محمد رسول الله من النجاشى الاصحم بن انجز، سلام علیك یا
نبى الله! ورحمة الله وبركاته احمد الله الذى لا اله الا هو الذى هدانى
للاسلام. اما بعد! فقد بلغنی کتابك يا رسول الله! فما ذكرت من
امر عيسى فورب السماء والارض، ان عيسى ما يزيد على ما ذكرت
تُغروفاً، انه کما قلت، وقد عرفنا ما بعثت به إلينا وقد قرینا ابن
عمك واصحابه فاشهد انك رسول الله صادقا مصدقا، وقد بايعتك
وبایعت ابن عمك، واسلمت علی یدیہ لله رب العالمین، وقد بعثت

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صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa
الیك بابنی ارها ابن الاصحم بن الا بجز فانی لا املك الانفسی وان
شئت ان اتیك فعلت یا رسول! فانى اشهد ان ما تقول حق. والسلام
عليك يا رسول الله!
“Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
To Muhammad Rasulullah Locking from Negus Asham bin Abjaz.
Salaam, and the mercy and the blessings of Allah upon you O Prophet of Allah!
I glorify Allah besides Whom there is none worthy of worship and I praise Him for
guiding me towards Islam.
Your letter has reached me, O Prophet of Allah! Whatever you mentioned about 'Isa
PLUIE, I swear by the Lord of the sky and the earth that 'Isa >Wiele is nothing
more than that. We have recognised (and acknowledged) the religion with which
you have been sent to us.
We have entertained your cousin and his companions (whilst they were here and
obtained firsthand information from them about Islam etc.)
So I bear testimony that you are the truthful and credible Messenger. I have pledged
my allegiance on your hands and the hands of your cousin and I had embraced
Islam upon his hands for Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
I am sending my son Arhaa bin Asham to you. I have control over myself only. O
Rasulullah Lockauf! If you wish I will present myself in person before you. I
hereby testify that whatever you say is absolutely true.
Salaam upon you, O Rasulullah ,chilis!"
Negus despatched his son in the company of sixty other Abyssinians to Rasulullah
LEauf ... However, the ship they were travelling in sank en route (drowning all
passengers on board).
This is the same Negus towards whom the Muslims migrated in the fifth year
of prophethood. His name was Ashamah. He embraced Islam at the hands of
صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ and he passed away in Rajab 9 A.H. Rasulullah رَضِّ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ Hadhrat Ja'far
informed the Sahaabah Reduks of his death on the very day that he passed away.
Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم , together with the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُم performed his 'absent'
Janaazah Salaah in the Eid-Gaah.
Another ruler, also referred to as Negus, succeeded him. Resulullah Ligasteauf
wrote to him also inviting him to embrace Islam. The letter reads as follows:

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من النبی محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم الى النجاشى الاصحم عظيم
الحبشة، سلام على من اتبع الهدى وامن بالله ورسوله وشهد ان لا اله
الا الله وحده لا شريك له، لم يتخذ صاحبة ولا ولدا وان محمدا
عبده ورسوله ادعوك بدعاية الله فانى انا رسوله، فاسلم تسلم، يا اهل
الكتاب تعالوا إلى كلمة سواء بيننا وبينكم ان لا نعبد الا الله ولا
نشرك به شيئا ولا يتخذ بعضنا بعضا اربابا من دون الله فان تولوا
فقولوا اشهدوا بأنا مسلمون، فان ابيت فعليك اثم النصارى من
قومك
"From the divine Messenger Muhammad Labai to Negus Asham, the ruler of
Abyssinia. Salaam upon those who adhere to divine guidance, believe in Allah and
His Messenger, testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah Who is all
alone, He has no partner and He has not taken a wife or son and that Muhammad
is His slave and Messenger.
I invite you with the invitation of Allah as I am His Messenger. Embrace Islam and
you will be safe.
'O people of the scripture! Come to such a word that, between us, is an
acknowledged fact; that we do not worship anyone but Allah, we do not ascribe
partners unto Him and that none of us will take others as lords besides Allah. Then
if they turn away, say: 'Bear witness that we are Muslims.'
If you (O Negus!) decline this invitation, the sin of all the Christians of your nation
will fall on your shoulders."
The Islam of this Negus could neither be established nor could his first name be
ascertained. Ibn Kaseer Aldas says: "This Negus is different to the Negus who
embraced Islam at the hands of Hadhrat Ja'far dedlss."

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(4) Letter to Muqawqis, Governor of Egypt and Alexandria
بِسمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ
من محمد عبدالله ورسوله الى المقوقس عظيم القبط، سلام على من
اتبع الهدى اما بعد! فانى ادعوك بدعاية الاسلام اسلم تسلم يوتك
الله اجرك مرتين فان توليت فعليك اثم القبط. يا اهل الكتاب تعالوا
الی كلمة سواء بيننا و بينكم ان لا نعبد الا الله ولا نشرك به شيئا
ولا یتخد بعضنا اربابا من دون الله، فان تولوا فقولوا اشهد وا بانا
مسلمون
“Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
From Muhammad, the slave and Messenger of Allah, to Muqawqis, the head of the
Coptics. Salaam upon those who adhere to divine guidance.
I invite you with the invitation of Islam. Embrace Islam and you will be safe and
Allah will reward you twofold. (In the Holy Qur-aan, Allah Ta'ala assures the
people of the book a twofold reward for embracing Islam.) So if you turn down this
invitation, the sin of all the Copts will be on your shoulders. 'O people of the
scripture! Come to such a word that, between us, is an acknowledged fact; that we
do not worship anyone but Allah, we do not ascribe partners unto Him and that
none of us will take others as lords besides Allah. Then if they turn away, say: 'Bear
witness that we are Muslims."
Affixing his official seal to this letter, Rasulullah Leaf sent Haatib bin Abi
Balta'ah deals with it to the governor of Egypt. On reaching there he was
informed that the governor was in Alexandria. He then set out for Alexandria,
where he found the governor seated on a terrace overlooking the sea. From the
bottom, Haatib Medhe pointed towards the letter. The governor bade him to join
him at the top. Haatib &als went up and presented the blessed letter to him. He
received the letter with great reverence and respectfully read through it.
Hadhrat Haatib Meals narrates: "Thereafter the governor of Alexandria
accommodated me as a special guest in one of the imperial quarters. One day, he
convened all the patriarchs and leaders and sent for me. He said: 'I wish to ask you
a few questions. Deliberate before you respond.' Haatib &el replied: 'Fine."

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Muqawqis, the governor, asked: "Is the person from whom you brought this letter,
not a divine Messenger?"
Haatib &dl replied: "Off course! He is the Messenger of Allah."
Muqawqis said: "If he really is a divine Messenger, then why did he not curse
his people and supplicate for their destruction when they banished him from
Makkah?"
Haatib Meals countered: "Do you bear witness that 'Isa the son of Maryam
"liche was a divine Messenger?" "No doubt," replied Muqawqis, "he was a
Messenger of Allah."
Haatib &dlg remarked: "Since he was the Messenger of Allah then why did
he not curse his enemies when they conspired to crucify him? Why did he not
make dua to Allah Ta'ala to destroy them? In due course, Allah Ta'ala raised him
up close to Him."
To this Muqawqis commented: "You are wise and you have come before a
wise person."
Lecture of Haatib Medkg in the Court of Muqawqis
On hearing this sensible response from Haatib deals, the governor was unable to
offer any further comment and remained silent. Thereafter, Haatib Meddle
addressed the governor and said: "You are well aware of a man who once passed
through this very country of Egypt and professed that he is the highest lord. Allah
Ta'ala seized, punished and destroyed him. You should take a lesson from this. It
should not be such that others take lesson from you (your punishment). There is a
religion far superior to your religion and that is the religion of Islam, which Allah
Ta'ala had promised to overshadow all other religions. All other religions will be
rendered insignificant before this religion. Allah Ta'ala has commissioned this
Prophet to invite the people to this religion. In this regard, the Quraysh proved to
be most challenging, the Jews most hostile and the Christians the closest. By Allah!
The glad tidings of Hadhrat 'Isa Liche issued by Hadhrat Musa Wicle are
precisely the same as the glad tidings issued by Hadhrat 'Isa Stillale in favour of
Muhammad Rasulullah caf . There is no distinction between the two (cases
of glad tidings). As for inviting you towards the Holy Qur-aan, it is exactly the
same as you inviting the people of the Towrah (Jews) towards the Injeel (new
testament).
A nation who comes across a divine Messenger, that nation becomes the
Ummah of this Messenger. They are now compelled to adhere to this Messenger.
You, O governor, are also amongst those who have come across a divine
Messenger. We are not prohibiting you from Christianity but rather, we are
commanding you to adhere to the directive of Hadhrat Maseeh ('Isa) "liale."

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Response of the Governor
Muqawqis, the governor replied: "I have pondered over this Prophet at length and
found that he commands righteousness and prohibits from evil. He does not enjoin
detestable things and does not forbid goodness. He is neither a sorcerer nor is he
astray. He is neither a soothsayer nor is he a liar. I have come across distinct signs
of Prophethood in him such as his news of the unseen. Nonetheless, allow me to
deliberate upon this further."
He thereafter concealed this blessed letter in an ivory box and instructed his
treasurer to keep it safely.
Subsequent to this, he called for his scribe and bade him to write a reply to
Rasulullah's ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم letter in Arabic.
Muqawqis, Reply to Rasulullah's ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم Letter
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
الى محمد بن عبدالله من المقوقس عظيم القبط سلام عليك.
اما بعد! فقد قرات کتابك، و فهمت ما ذكرت فيه وما تدعو
الیه وقد علمت ان نبیا قد بقى، وكنت اظن ان يخرج من الشام
وقد اكرمت رسولك، وبعثته اليك بجاريتين لهما من القبط
مكان عظيم وكسرة واهديت اليك بغلة لتركبها والسلام
“Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
To Muhammad bin 'Abdullah, from Muqawqis the head of the Copts.
Salaam upon you. I have read your letter and understood what you mentioned
therein in regards to your invitation (towards Islam etc.).
I was certain that a final Messenger is yet to come but I was under the impression
that he would hail from Shaam.
Nonetheless, I have received your Messenger with great respect. As a gift to you, I
am sending with him two slave girls, a few sets of clothing and a mule for your
conveyance. Wassalaam."

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The name of one these slave girls was Maariyah Qibtiyyah (the Copt). She was
صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Rasulullah's. صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ included in the Haram (harem) of Rasulullah
son, Ibraaheem deals, was born from her. The name of the other slave girl was
Shireen and she was awarded to Hassaan bin Saabit Meals. The name of the mule
was Duldul.
Muqawqis received the ambassador of Rasulullah Ldal with profound
reverence and displayed great esteem towards his blessed letter and although he
acknowledged that Rasulullah Ucla was the final Messenger about whom the
previous Prophets issued glad tidings, he did not embrace Islam. He remained
committed to Christianity.
When Haatib bin Abi Balta ah ◌ُرَضِّ اللَّهُ عَنْه returned to Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم and
related the whole incident, Rasulullah Leaf commented: "Kingdom and
kingship prevented him from embracing Islam but his kingdom will not last
forever."
In accordance with this prophecy, the Muslims conquered Egypt in the
. رَضِ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ Caliphate of Hadhrat Umar
Muqawqis had already gleaned quite a bit of information about Rasulullah
Before embracing Islam, Hadhrat . رَضِ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ from Mughirah bin Shu'bah صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
Mughirah bin Shu'bah Meals, accompanied by a few members of the Banu Maalik
clan, happened to appear before Muqawqis. This is when he managed to get a good
deal of information about Rasulullah Leaf and his current circumstances.
Upon Muqawqis enquiring from them about the conditions of Rasulullah
replied: "This man has come to us with an رَضِّ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ Mughirah bin Shu'bah, صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
entirely new-fangled religion which is totally different to our ancestral beliefs and
in conflict to the faith of the governor as well.
Muqawqis: What is the reaction of his people with him?
Mughirah: Most of the youth have adhered to him whilst the elderly have
opposed him. A number of battles have been fought between the two rival armies.
At times they triumph and at times their rivals are victorious.
Muqawqis: What does he invite you to?
Mughirah: He instructs us to worship one Allah Alone without ascribing any
partners unto Him. He commands us to renounce the idols our ancestors were
worshipping. He also bids us to perform Salaah and pay Zakaat.
Muqawqis: Is there any time set for Salaah and any amount fixed for Zakaat?
Mughirah: They perform five Salaahs during the day and night, and half a
Mithqaal (app 4 grams) Zakaat is levied upon twenty Mithqaals i.e. two and half
percent Zakaat is payable.
Muqawqis: What does he do with the Zakaat he collects?
Mughirah: He distributes it amongst the poor and destitute. Besides this, he
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He prohibits adultery, interest and alcohol, and he does not consume animals
slaughtered upon the name of any being other than Allah.
Muqawqis: Without doubt, this man is a divine Messenger. He has been
commissioned as a Prophet to all the people of the world. Hadhrat 'Isa ] also
enjoined the same commandments. Before him, all the Ambiyaa Wiele also
prescribed the same teachings. Ultimately, he will prevail until there will be
nobody to challenge him and the range of his religion will expand to the furthest
corners of the globe.
Mughirah: Even if the whole world were to put their faith in him, we would
not embrace Islam.
Muqawqis: You people are foolish and stupid. Tell me, what is his lineage
like?
Mughirah: He is a man of outstanding and impeccable lineage.
Muqawqis: The Ambiyaa Ali fe always hail from the most eminent and
noble families. Tell me about his truthfulness and honesty.
Mughirah: It is due to his truthfulness and honesty that all of Arabia refers to
him as Al-Ameen (the trustworthy).
Muqawqis: Ponder over this; how is it possible for a person to stick to the
truth when he deals with his fellow humans but he attributes falsehood to Allah?
Also, tell me, what are his followers like?
Mughirah: His followers are made up of the youth.
Muqawqis: Before him, most of the followers of the Ambiyaa stillet were
the youth.
Thereafter Muqawqis asked: "What is the attitude of the Jews of Yasrib
(Madinah) towards him? They are, after all, people of the Taurah."
Mughirah: They opposed him. Consequently, he killed some of them, some of
them he imprisoned and some of them he expelled from their homes.
To this, Muqawqis commented: "The Jews are a painfully jealous nation. They
are resentful about him being chosen as the final Messenger otherwise they, like
ourselves, are well-aware of his status."
Mughirah relates: "Upon termination of our discussion with him, we exited the
palace and I thought to myself: 'Even the non-Arab rulers of the world are attesting
to his Prophethood whereas they are far away from him. We, on the other hand,
are his relatives and neighbours and yet we have not entered his religion even
though he came right to our doors to invite us.' This really cast a profound
impression upon my heart. I stayed over in Alexandria for some time and not a
single church remained that I did not visit and not a single clergyman remained
from whom I did not enquire about the attributes and circumstances of Rasulullah
Lucieauf .. I persisted with my enquiries until I visited their archbishop who was
an eminent worshipper and celebrated ascetic. People would bring their ill to him
to make dua for them. I asked him: 'Is there any divine messenger left to be
commissioned?' He replied:

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نعم! هو آخر الانبياء ليس بينه وبين عيسى بن مريم احد، وهو نبی
مرسل وقد امرنا عیسی باتباعه وهو النبى الامی العربی اسمه احمد
ليس بالطويل ولا بيض ولا بالآدم ، يعض شعره ويلبس ما غلظ
من الثياب ويجتزئ بما لقى من الطعام ، سيفه على عاتقه ولا يبالى
بمن لاقی یباشر القتال بنفسه ومعه اصحابه یفدونه بانفسهم ، هم له
اشد حبا من اولادهم یخرج من ارض حرم ویاتی الی حرم یھاجر الی
ارض سباخ ونخل يدين بدين ابراهيم عليه السلام
'Yes. He (Rasulullah ,clăif[_) is the final Messenger. There is no Messenger
between him and 'Isa ALJiale. He is a divine Messenger. 'Isa ALdicle instructed us to
comply with him. He is an unlettered Arabian Prophet. His name is Ahmad. He is
neither very tall nor short but in between, of a moderate height. He has a tinge of
redness within his eyes. He is neither very fair nor very brown. He will have
substantial hair (on his head and beard). He will wear coarse clothing. He will be
content with whatever food is available to him. His sword will be over his neck and
he will not be troubled by whoever opposes him. He will take active part in battle.
With him will be his companions who will enthusiastically give their lives for him.
They will cherish him more than their own children. He will appear in the Haram of
Makkah and emigrate to a land of brackish water and abundant date-palms. He
will adhere to the faith of Ibraaheem >Lille."
Mughirah relates: "I then asked him: 'Provide me with more details about him.' The
archbishop replied: 'He will wear an Izaar (lungi or lower garment). He will wash
his limbs (make Wudhu). All the divine Messengers before him were commissioned
exclusively for their own people but this Prophet has been commissioned for every
nation of the world. The entire earth is a Masjid and source of purity for him.
Wherever Salaah time finds him and water is not available, he will perform
Tayammum and offer his Salaah. He will not be restricted to a temple or church
like the Bani Israa'eel. Their Salaah was not valid except in a specific place of
worship.""
Mughirah says: "I listened attentively to whatever he said and committed it to
memory. I subsequently returned to Madinah, appeared before Rasulullah
".and embraced Islam صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ

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Letter to Munzir bin Sawa, Governor of Bahrain
Rasulullah Uckaf composed a letter of invitation towards Islam to Munzir bin
Sawa and sent it with 'Alaa bin Hadrami deals.
'Alaa bin Hadrami deale narrates: "When I reached Munzir with the blessed
letter of Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم ,I addressed him saying:
'O Munzir! In worldly affairs you are regarded as very intelligent and astute.
Do not become foolish and naive in terms of the hereafter. This religion of fire-
worship (Zoroastrianism) is the most immoral religion around. It neither contains
the nobility of the Arabs nor the knowledge of the people of the scriptures. The
adherents of this religion marry such women (sisters etc.), the mere mention of
which is unspeakably shameful. They consume such things that are disgusting to
people of sound disposition. They worship the fire of this world whereas in the
hereafter, the same fire will devour them. O Munzir! You are not foolish and naive.
Reflect over this and ponder over it at length. The being who does not speak lies
ever, why do you hesitate in believing in Him? Why are you suspicious of His
integrity? The being who never engages in treachery, why are you sceptical of
regarding Him as honest? The being who does not act contrary to His word, what
misgivings do you harbour about His reliability? If Rasulullah's Leaf blessed
being is like this -and indisputably it is so - then unquestionably he is the divine
Messenger of Allah Ta'ala. He is such a Messenger that if he enjoins something, no
intelligent person will dare say, 'if only he did not enjoin this,' if he prohibits
something, no sensible person will dare say, 'if only he did not prevent this', if he
grants relief from something up to a certain degree, no rational person would say,
"why did he not offer greater relief' or if he imposes a certain punishment, he
would not demand a reduction or alleviation in it. The reason for this is that every
single word, action, order and injunction of Rasulullah Leaf is in perfect
harmony to the aspirations and inclinations of every person of sound intellect.""
Response of Munzir bin Sawa
Munzir responded: "The religion that I adhere to, I have pondered over it
extensively and found it to be exclusively focused upon this materialistic world and
not upon the hereafter. When I deliberated over your religion, I found it to be
advantageous to both this world as well as the hereafter. So what prevents me from
accepting this religion? Its acceptance promises to deliver the aspirations of life and
the comforts of death. Until now I was appalled by those who embrace this religion
of Islam but now I am outraged by those who refute this true religion."

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Munzir bin Sawa's Response to Rasulullah's ◌َصَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم Letter
Munzir bin Sawa embraced Islam and replied to Rasulullah's ◌َصَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم letter thus:
اما بعد يا رسول الله! فانى قرأت كتابك على اهل البحرين فمنهم من
احب الاسلام واعجبه و دخل فيه ومنهم من کرهه وبارضی یهود و
مجوس فاحدث الى فى ذلك امرك
"O Rasulullah! I read out your letter to the people of Bahrain. Some of them are fond
of Islam. They found it incredibly appealing and entered its fold. However, some of
them are unwilling to accept Islam. Furthermore, there are a number of Jews and
Zorastrians residing in our country. I eagerly await your judgement in regards to
these people."
Rasulullah ◌َصَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم forwarded the following reply:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
من محمد رسول الله الى المنذر بن ساوى، سلام عليك، فانی احمد
الیك الله الذی لا اله الا هو واشهد ان محمدا رسول الله اما بعد! فانى
اذکرك الله عزوجل فانه من ینصح فانما ینصح لنفسه وانه من یطع
رسلى ويبتع امرهم فقد اطاعنى ومن نصح لهم فقد نصح لى وان
رسلی قد اثنوا عليك خيرا. وانى قد شفعتك فى قومك فاترك
للمسلمين ما اسلموا عليك وعفوت عن اهل الذنوب فاقبل منهم
وانك مهما تصلح فلن نعزلك عن عملك ومن اقام علی یهودیته او
مجوسيته فعليه الجزية
“Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
From Muhammad Rasulullah to Munzir bin Sawa. Salaam upon you.
I present before you praises of the Lord besides Whom there is none worthy of
worship and hereby testify that Muhammad is the Rasool (Messenger) of Allah.

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I hereby remind you about Allah Ta'ala because he who acts in good faith towards
Allah Ta'ala, he is actually doing good to himself.
He who obeys and complies with my Messengers has in reality been obedient to me.
He who acts in good faith towards them has acted in good faith towards me. My
messengers have expressed profound praise for you.
I have accepted your intercession on behalf of your people. Leave in the hands of the
Muslims the possessions they embraced Islam upon. I have forgiven the errant
amongst them. So accept their Islam or their repentance. As long as you remain
committed to acting in good faith, I will not remove you. He who wishes to hold fast
to his Judaism or to his Zorastrianism, Jizyah (tax) will be imposed upon him."
(6) Letter to the Ruler of Amman
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
من محمد بن عبدالله ورسوله الی جیفرو عبد ابنى الجلندى، سلام
على من اتبع الهدى اما بعد! فانى ادعوكما بدعاية الاسلام اسلما
تسلما فانى رسول الله إلى الناس كافة لانذر من كان حيا ويحق القول
على الكافرين وانكما ان اقررتما بالاسلام وليتكما وان ابيتما ان
تقرا بالاسلام فان ملككما زائل عنكما وخيلى تحل بساحتكما
وتظهر نبوتی على ملکكما
“Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
From Muhammad, the slave of Allah and His Messenger to Jayfar and 'Abd, the two
sons of Julandi.
Salaam upon those who adhere to divine guidance.
I invite both of you with the invitation of Islam. Embrace Islam and you will be safe.
I am the divine Messenger of Allah sent to all the peoples of the world so that I may
warn the living of the punishment of Allah and so that the proof may be established
against the disbelievers. If you embrace Islam you will be retained (as leaders of
your country) otherwise bear in mind that you will soon be unseated from your