Migration to Abyssinia

Migration to Abyssinia

This is a sub-article to Muhammad before Medina and Muhammad in Medina

The migration known as the first Hijarat was made in two groups totaling more than a hundred persons. According to Islamic tradition, eleven males and five females Sahaba, the Muslims who originally converged in Mecca, sought refuge from Quraysh persecution in the Kingdom of Aksum (modern-day Ethiopia) in seventh Islamic month (Rajab) of 7 BH (614–615 CE) in the first batch. This act is known as the First migration to Abyssinia; Abyssinia in this incident because of the Arabic word, al-Habasha, whence "Abyssinia" is derived. They returned after three months to Arabia due to misinformation, only to find that the persecution had not halted. "The hardships and sufferings borne by the Muslims were ever on the increase. Muhammad at last permitted them to emigrate to some other place. Abyssinia at that time was ruled by a Christian King (who later on embraced Islam), famous for his mercy and equity. In Rajab of the fifth year of the Mission, the first group emigrated to Abyssinia. The group comprised about eleven men and four women. The Qureysh pursued them to the port to capture them, but their vessels had left the shore. When the group reached Abyssinia, they heard the rumour that the whole tribe of the Qureysh had accepted Islam. They were naturally very much pleased at the news and returned to their country. On approaching Mecca, they learnt that the rumour was false and the persecutions were going on unabated. Some of them decided to return to Abyssinia and the rest entered Mecca, seeking the protection of a few influential people. This is known as the first migration to Abyssinia. Later on, a bigger group of eighty-three men and eighteen women emigrated to Abyssinia (separately). This is called the second emigration to that country. Some Sahabah took part in both the migrations."[1]Contents [hide]

1 Hijrat to Abyssinia (613,615)

2 History

2.1 Prelude

2.2 First migration

2.3 Returning

2.4 Second migration, 615

2.5 Quraish delegation

2.6 End

3 List

4 Second List

4.1 The Women Sohabyat Who came to Ethiopia:

5 See also

6 References

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Hijrat to Abyssinia (613,615)

Migrations in two Batches (613,615):

Rafiq Zakaria noted:“ Unabale to bear the hardships, a group of 15 Muslims, on the advice of Muhammad, migrated to Abyssinia (in 613) where a benign Christian ruler, king Negus gave the shelter. This is the first migration (Hijra), which is commended in Islam.

Two years after (in 615) the first migration, a second group of about a hundred of the persecuted Muslims led by Jafar, brother of Ali, left for Abyssinia.[2]     ”

Some reports noted Migrations were made to Abyssinia in three batches.

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History

The party of Migrations (613-15) included famous persons as Sa'd ibn abi Waqqas, Abdullah ibn Jahsh, Uthman and wife Ruqayya. The first batch was led by Abdullah ibn Jahsh. Sa'd ibn abi Waqqas did not return to Arabia straight away but went to Chittagong port (now in Bangladesh), moved hinterland Kamrup-Manipur (now in northeast India)in 615 and reached China with other companions including two Sahabas. Waqqas reached China in 616, preached for sometime in Canton and elswhere among the Hui Chi (later Hui Hui) and then returned to Arabia.[3]

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Prelude

After the conversion of many prominent Meccans, the companions of Muhammad began to offer prayers publicly in 613. In turn, the Quraysh intensified their opposition by torturing the Muslims. Muhammad told his followers to leave for Ethiopia, where "a king rules without injustice, a land of truthfulness-until God leads us to a way out of our difficulty." After persecution and torture, Muhammad ordered his companions to migrate to Abyssinia. Hamza embraced Islam in 616 with Umar (the second Caliph of Islam).

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First migration

In seventh Islamic month (Rajab) of 7 BH (614–615 CE) [4], eleven men and four women undertook the first migration [5]. The group was headed by a companion called Uthman ibn Mazoon.

They snuck out of Mecca on a dark night and headed for the sea where two boats happened to be sailing for their destination, Ethiopia. News of their intended departure reached Quraish, so some men were despatched in their pursuit, but the Muslims had already left Shuaibah Port towards their secure haven where they were received warmly and accorded hospitality by Negus, King of Abyssinia, also called al-Najashi, (Arabic: النجاشي). Among these emigrants were Uthman and Ruquyyah. [6]

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Returning

Gradually, the number of emigrants increased in Abyssinia. Only a few days had passed in peace, when a rumour reached them that the Meccans had finally embraced Islam. On hearing this, most of the Muslims decided to return to Mecca. When they reached the city, they came to know that the report was false. The Meccans began to persecute even more severely those persons who had returned from Abyssinia. In spite of this, however, about a hundred Muslims managed to leave Mecca and settled in Abyssinia. The Meccans however did their utmost to check the tide of emigration, but all in vain.

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Second migration, 615

The second migration consisted of 79 men and 9 women. According to some reports the number is 83 men and 18 women (The number differs largely). This group was headed by Jafar ibn Abu Talib, who was also the only person from the Banu Hashim clan who migrated to Abyssinia.

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Quraish delegation

The migration of the Muslims to Abyssinia, and their reception at the friendly court of that country, alarmed the Quraysh. They entertained the fear that Muslims might grow in strength, or find new allies, and then, some day, might return to Mecca to challenge them. To head off this potential threat, such as they saw it, they decided to send an embassy to the court of the king of Abyssinia to try to persuade him to extradite the Muslims to Mecca.

The Muslim refugees who had expected to be left in peace, were surprised by the arrival, in the Abyssinian capital, of an embassy from Mecca, led by a certain Amr bin Aas. Amr had brought rich presents for the king and his courtiers to ingratiate himself with them.

When the king gave audience to the emissary of the Quraysh, he said that the Muslims in Abyssinia were not refugees from persecution but were fugitives from justice and law, and requested him to extradite them to Mecca. The king, however, wanted to hear the other side of the story also before giving any judgment, and summoned Jaafer ibn Abi Talib to the court to answer the charges against the Muslims.

Jaafer made a most memorable defense. Following is a summary of his speech in the court of Abyssinia in answer to the questions posed by the Christian king.

O King! We were ignorant people and we lived like wild animals. The strong among us lived by preying upon the weak. We obeyed no law and we acknowledged no authority save that of brute force. We worshipped idols made of stone or wood, and we knew nothing of human dignity. And then God, in His Mercy, sent to us His Messenger who was himself one of us. We knew about his truthfulness and his integrity. His character was exemplary, and he was the most well-born of the Arabs. He invited us toward the worship of One God, and he forbade us to worship idols. He exhorted us to tell the truth, and to protect the weak, the poor, the humble, the widows and the orphans. He ordered us to show respect to women, and never to slander them. We obeyed him and followed his teachings. Most of the people in our country are still polytheists, and they resented our conversion to the new faith which is called Islam. They began to persecute us and it was in order to escape from persecution by them that we sought and found sanctuary in your kingdom.

When Jaaffer concluded his speech, the king asked him to read some verses which were revealed to Muhammad. Jaafer read a few verses from Surah Maryam (Mary), the 19th chapter of Al-Qur’an al-Majid. When the king heard these verses, he said that their fountainhead was the same as that of the verses of the Evangel. He then declared that he was convinced of his veracity, and added, to the great chagrin of Amr bin Aas, that the Muslims were free to live in his kingdom for as long as they wished.

But Amr bin Aas bethought himself of a new stratagem, which, he felt confident, would tilt the scales against Jaafer. On the following day, therefore, he returned to the court and said to the king that he (the king) ought to waive his protection of the Muslims because they rejected the divine nature of Christ, and claimed that he was a mortal like other men. When questioned on this point by the king, Jaafer said:

Our judgment of Jesus is the same as that of Allah and His Messenger, viz., Jesus is God's servant, His Prophet, His Spirit, and His command given unto Mary, the innocent virgin.

The king said: "Jesus is just what you have stated him to be, and is nothing more than that." Then addressing the Muslims, he said: "Go to your homes and live in peace. I shall never give you up to your enemies." He refused to extradite the Muslims, returned the presents which Amr bin Aas had brought, and dismissed his embassy.

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End

The Muslims finally returned from Abyssinia in 7 A.H. but to Medina and not Mecca.

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List

The first march (Hijira) in 615 AD had a group of eleven men and four women. The list of the Sahhbas who migrated to Ethiopia in the first march includes the following.

1.Sa'd ibn abi Waqqas[7]

2.Jahsh [8]

3.Abdullah ibn Jahsh

4.Osman Bin Affan [9]

5.Rukya Bint Resul (Mohammed)-The wife of Osman

6.Abu Huzeyfa Bin Outba

7.Shelet Bin seid-wife of Abu Huzeyfa

8.Zubeyr Bin Al-Awam

8.Musab Bin Oumr

10.Abdurahman Bin Awuf

11.Abu Selemah Bin Abdel Ased

12.Amu Selemah- wife of Abu Selmah

13.Ousman Bin Mezun

14.Amir Abin Rebiah-Leader of the group

15.Layla Bint Abi Asmah –Wife of Amir[10]

The Above list[11] clearly shows that it was prepared after returns from Abyssinia and did not include those gone for overseas preaching and trading purposes.

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Second List

In the second hijirra to Al-Nejash there were 83 men and 11 women who started their life in Ethiopia. It focusses on the list of members of the Sahbas and Sahabyat. Their number amounts 94 Sahbas and 26 female Sehabyat:[12]

Aswed Bin Newfel

Beshir Bin Al-Haris

Temin Bin Al-Haris

Jafer Bin Abu-Talib[13]

Jehim Bin Keys Bin Abd

Al –Haris Bin Al-Haris

Al-Haris Bin Halid Bin Sohir

Haris Bin Abd Bin keys

Hatib Bin Al-Hirs

Hatib Bin Amr Bin Abdshems

Hajaj Bin Hars Bin Keys

Hetuab Bin Al-Hars Bin Muimer

Halid Bin Hazam Bin Huweylid

Halid Bin Seid Ibnul As (He accepted Islam following Abubeker Sediq).

Huneys Bin Huzafa Bin Keys

Zubeyr Bin Al-Awam

Saib Bin Al-Hars Bin Keys

Saib Bin Mezur Bin Habib

Seid Bin Hewla Bin Amir

Seid Bin Abdeyn Keys Bin Lukeyt

Seid Bin Al-Hars Bin Keys Bin Seid

Seid Bin Amir At-Temimiy

Sufiyan Bin Amir Bin Rezik

Sekran Bin Amr Bin Abdshems

Selemet Bin Hisham Bin Mugirah

Selit Bin Amr Bin Abdshems

Sehl Bin Wehib Bin Rebiah Bin Amr

Sehil Bin Wehb Ibn Rebiah Bin Amr

Suweybit Bin Seid Bin Hermelah Bin Malik

Shejai Bin Abi Wehib Bin Wehib Bin Rebia

Shemenas Bin Ousman Bin Sherid Bin Haremiyi

Tolib Bin Azhar Bin Abd

Tuablib Bin Oumeyr Bin Wehil Bin Abd

Amir Bin Rebiah Bin Kaib Bin Malik

Amir Bin Abdeluah Bin Al-Jerrah Bin Hilal

Amir Bin Malik Bin Uhaib Bin Abdmenaf

Ubeydulah Bin Jehish Bin Rebab Bin Yeimer

Abdelah Bin Hirs Bin Keys Bin Adey

Abdelah Bin Huzafah Bin Keys Bin Adey

Abdelah Bin Sufian Bin Abdel Ased Bin Helal

Abdelah Bin Sahil Bin Amr

Abdelah Bin Abdel Ased Bin Hilal

Abdelah Bin Mehremah Bin Abdeluziza

Abdelah Bin Mesud Bin Gafil Bin Hubeyb

Abdelah Bin Meziun Bin Habib Bin Wehib

Abdelah Bin Mugera Bin Muaykeb

Abdurahman Bin Awf Bin Abdawf

Abd Bin Jehsh Bin Rebab Bin Yeimer

Utbet Bin Gezwan Bin Jebir Bin Wehif

Utbet Bin Mesud Bin Gafil Bin Habib

Usman Bin Rabiah Bin Ahban Bin Wehib

Usman Bin Abd Bin Genem Bin Zehir

Usman Bin Sherid Bin Suweyd

Usman Bin Affan Bin Abel As Bin Ummeyah

Usman Bin Mezun Bin Habib Bin Wehib

Adiy Bin Nedlah Bin Abdeluzza Bin Harsan Bin Awf

Urwet Bin Asaseh (Ibn Abi Asaseh) Bin Abdeluzza

Ammar Bin Yasir Bin Amir Bin Malik Bin Kinanar

Omer Bin Sufian Bin Abdelased Bin Hilal Bin Abdelah

Omer Bin Umeya Bin Hirs Bin Ased Bin Abdeluzza

Amr Bin Umeya Bin Huweylid Bin Abdelah

Amr Bin Al-Jehim

Omer Bin Abi Serh Bin Rabiah Bin Hilal Bin Malik

Amr Bin Seid Bin Al-As Bin Umeya Bin Abdshems

Amr Bin Al-As Bin Wail Bin Hashim Bin Seid

Amr Bin Usman Bin Keib Bin Seid Bin Teym

Omer Bin Rebab Bin Huzeyfah

Ayyash Bin Amr

Ayyad Bin Zehir Bin Abi Shedad Bin Rebiah Bin Hilal

Firas Bin Nedir Bin Hirs Bin Ilkima Bin Kuldah

Kudamah Bin Mezun Bin Habib Bin Wehib Bin Huzafah

Keys Bin Huzafah Bin Keys Bin Ady Bin Seid Bin Sehim

Keys Bin Abdelah

Malik Bin Zemah Bin Keys Bin Abdshemis Bin Abdowd

Malik Bin Wehib Bin Abdemenaf Bin Zahra Bin Kilab

Muhamya Bin Juzi Bin Abdyegus Bin Uweyj Bin Omer

Musab Bin Omer Bin Hashim Bin Abdmenaf Bin Abdedar

Mutolib Bin Azhar Bin Abdawf Bin Abdel Hirs Bin Zahra

Muateb Bin Awf Bin Amir Bin Al-Fedl Bin Afif

Meimer Bin Al-Hirs Bin Keys Bin Ady Bin Seid Bin Sehim

Meimer Bin Abdelah Bin Nedlah Bin Abdel Uzaz Bin Harsan

Muaykib Ibn Abi Fatimet

Mikdad Bin Amr Bin Seileba Bin Malik Bin Sherid Bin Rebiah

Nebih Bin Osman Bin Rebiah Bin Wehib Bin Huzafah

Hebar Bin Sufian Bin Abdel Ased Bin Hilal Bin Abdelah

Hisham Bin Abi Huzeyfa Bin Mehishem Bin MUgira

Hesham Bin Alas Bin Wail Bin Hisham

Yezid Bin Zemia Bin Al-Aswed Bin Mutolib Bin Ased

Abu Huzeyfa Bin Utba Bin Rebia Bin Abd Shems Bin Abdmenaf

Abu Rum Bin Umeyr Bin Hashim Bin Abdmenaf Bin Abddodar

Abu Sebret Bin Bbi Rehm Bin Abdel Uzza Bin Abi Keys Bin Abd

Abu Fekiha Mewla Beni Abdedar

Abu Keys Ibnel Hirs Bin Keys Bin Adiy Bin Seid Bin Sehim

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The Women Sohabyat Who came to Ethiopia:

Asmai Bint Selema (Bint Mehrem Bin Jendel Bin Abir Bin Nehshel)

Asmai Bint Umeys Bin Meibed Ibnel Hirs Bin Keib Bin Teym Bin Malik

Umeyma Bint Helef Bin Asad Bin Amir Bin Beyaduah Bin Sebi

Bereket Bint Yesar

Hasna Amu Shurehbil

Hamnet Bint Jehsh Bin Rebab

Hewlet Bint Aswed Bin Huzeyman

Raituah Bint Alhirs Bin Habilah Bin Amir Bin Keib Bin Seid

Rukyah Bint Muhammed, Daughter of the Islamic prophet, Mohammed

Remlah Bint Abu Sufian Bin Sohir Bin Harb Bin Umeya Bin Abdshems

Remlah Bint Abi Awf Bin Subeyret Bin Seid

Zeyneb Bint Jehsh Bin Reyyab

Sehlet Bint Sehil Bin Amr

Sewda Bint Zem’a Bin Keys Bin Abdshems Bint Abdwd Bin Nesr

Omra Bint Sedy Bin Wekdan Bin Abdshems Bin Abdwd

Fatimet Bint Al-MujelilBin Abdelah Bin Keys Bin Abdwd

Fatimet BinT Sofwan Bin Umeya Bin Muhris Bin Sheq

Fekiha Bint Yesar

Qehtom Bint Alkemah Bin Abdelah Bin Abikeys

Leyla Bint Abi Hasma Bin Huzeyfa Bin Ganim Bin Amir

Hamiyet Bint Khalid (Khelef)

Hend Bint Abi Umeyah

Amu Habiba Bint Jehsh Bin Rebab Al-Asedya

Amu Kulsum Bint Sehil Ibn Amr

Amu Yekezot Bint Alkima Amu Selit Bin Selit

Amu Aymen Bereket Alhabeshiya

^ Ja'far, a cousin of Prophet Muhammd reached China in 616-18 with Sa'd ibn abi Waqqas; Muslims of Khotan (west of Tibet) trace Islamic ancestry to Jafar, a cousin of Prophet Muhammad- see T.W. Arnold 1913/1997, The Preaching of Islam, Delhi: LP Pub., p.294 nt.8

   

                                    The Prophet’s Plans to spread the Message of Islam beyond Arabia

Late in the six year A.H., on his return from Hudaibiyah, the Prophet [pbuh] decided to send messages to the kings beyond Arabia calling them to Islam. In order to authenticate the credentials of his envoys, a silver seal was made in which were graven the words: "Muhammad the Messenger of Allâh" in the following formation: [Sahih Al-Bukhari 2/872,873]

[Picture not given right now - will be added later]

Envoys were chosen on the basis of their experience and knowledge, and sent on their errands in Muharram in the year 7 A.H., a few days before heading for Khaibar. [Rahmat-al-lil'alameen 1/171]

1. A Deputation to Abyssinia (Ethiopia)

Negus, king of Abyssinia (Ethiopia), his name was Ashama bin Al-Abjar, received the Prophet’s message, despatched by Amr bin Omaiyah Ad-Damari, which At-Tabari referred to, either late in the sixth year or early in the seventh year A.H. Deep scrutiny into the letter shows that it was not the one sent after Al-Hudaibiyah event. Wording of the letter rather indicates that it was sent to that king when Ja‘far and his companions emigrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) during the Makkan period. One of its sentences read "I have despatched my cousin, Ja‘far with a group of Muslims, to you. Do be generous towards them and give up haughtiness."

Al-Baihaqi, on the authority of Ibn Ishaq, gave the following narration of the Prophet’s letter sent to Negus:

"This letter is sent from Muhammad, the Prophet to Negus Al-Ashama, the king of Abyssinia (Ethiopia).

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance and believes in Allâh and His Messenger. I bear witness that there is no god but Allâh Alone with no associate, He has taken neither a wife nor a son, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. I call you unto the fold of Islam; if you embrace Islam, you will find safety,

"Say (O Muhammad [pbuh]): ‘O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allâh, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allâh.’ Then, if they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’ " [Al-Qur'an 3:64]

Should you reject this invitation, then you will be held responsible for all the evils of the Christians of your people."

Dr. Hameedullah (Paris), a reliable verifier, has adduced a version of the above letter disclosed only a short time ago and identical to Ibn Al-Qaiyim’s narration. Dr. Hameedullah exerted painstaking effort and used all means of modern technology to verify the text of the letter, which reads as follows:

"In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad the Messenger of Allâh to Negus, king of Abyssinia (Ethiopia).

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance. Salutations, I entertain Allâh’s praise, there is no god but He, the Sovereign, the Holy, the Source of peace, the Giver of peace, the Guardian of faith, the Preserver of safety. I bear witness that Jesus, the son of Mary, is the spirit of Allâh and His Word which He cast into Mary, the virgin, the good, the pure, so that she conceived Jesus. Allâh created him from His spirit and His breathing as He created Adam by His Hand. I call you to Allâh Alone with no associate and to His obedience and to follow me and to believe in that which came to me, for I am the Messenger of Allâh. I invite you and your men to Allâh, the Glorious, the All-Mighty. I hereby bear witness that I have communicated my message and advice. I invite you to listen and accept my advice. Peace be upon him who follows true guidance."[Za'd Al-Ma'ad 3/60]

The text of this letter is doubtlessly authentic, but to maintain that it was written after Al-Hudaibiyah event is still a question lacking in definite evidence.

When ‘Amr bin Omaiyah Ad-Damari communicated the Apostolic letter to Negus, the latter took the parchment and placed it on his eye, descended to the floor, confessed his faith in Islam and wrote the following reply to the Prophet [pbuh]:

"In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Negus Ashama to Muhammad, the Messenger of Allâh. Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allâh! and mercy and blessing from Allâh beside Whom there is no god. I have received your letter in which you have mentioned about Jesus and by the Lord of heaven and earth, Jesus is not more than what you say. We fully acknowledge that with which you have been sent to us and we have entertained your cousin and his companions. I bear witness that you are the Messenger of Allâh, true and confirming (those who have gone before you), I pledge to you through your cousin and surrender myself through him to the Lord of the worlds."[Za'd Al-Ma'ad 3/61]

The Prophet [pbuh] had asked Negus to send Ja‘far and his companions, the emigrants to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), back home. They came back to see the Prophet [pbuh] in Khaibar. Negus later died in Rajab 9 A.H. shortly after Tabuk Ghazwa. The Prophet [pbuh] announced his death and observed prayer in absentia for him. Another king succeeded Negus to the throne and another letter was sent to him by the Prophet [pbuh] but whether or not he embraced Islam is still a question not answered yet. [Sahih Muslim 2/99]

2. Letter to the Vicegerent of Egypt, called Muqawqas

The Prophet [pbuh] wrote to Juraij bin Matta[Rahmat-al-lil'alameen 1/178; Dr. Hamidullah said that his name was Binyamin], called Muqawqas, vicegerent of Egypt and Alexandria saying:

"In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad slave of Allâh and His Messenger to Muqawqas, vicegerent of Egypt.

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance. Thereafter, I invite you to accept Islam. Therefore, if you want security, accept Islam. If you accept Islam, Allâh, the Sublime, shall reward you doubly. But if you refuse to do so, you will bear the burden of the transgression of all the Copts.

"Say (O Muhammad ([pbuh]: ‘O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allâh, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allâh.’ Then, if they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’ " [Al-Qur'an 3:64]

Hatib bin Abi Balta‘a, who was chosen to communicate the message, requested an audience with Muqawqas before imparting the contents of the letter. He addressed Egypt’s vicegerent saying: "There used to be someone before you who had arrogated the status of the Supreme Lord, so Allâh punished him and made an example of him in the Hereafter, and in this life; therefore, take warning and never set a bad example to others." Muqawqas answered: "We are in no position to relinquish our religion except for a better one." Hatib resumed: "We invite you to embrace Islam, which will suffice you all what you may lose. Our Prophet has called people to profess this Faith, Quraish and the Jews stood against him as bitter enemies, whereas Christians stood closest to his Call. Upon my life, Moses’s news about Christ is identical to the latter’s good tidings about the advent of Muhammad; likewise, this invitation of ours to you to embrace Islam is similar to your invitation to the people of Torah to accept the New Testament. Once a Prophet rises in a nation, he is eligible for positive response, hence you are subject to the same Divine Law. Bear in mind that we have not come to dissuade you from religion of Christ but rather bidding you to adhere to its tenets." Muqawqas meditated over the contents of the letter deeply and said: "I have come to the conviction that this Prophet bids nothing abominable; he is neither a straying magician nor a lying soothsayer. He bears the true manifest seeds of Prophethood, and so I will consider the affair deeply." He took the parchment and ordered that it be kept in an ivory casket. He called a scribe to write the following reply in Arabic:

"In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muqawqas to Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah.

Peace be upon you. I have read your letter and understood its contents, and what you are calling for. I already know that the coming of a Prophet is still due, but I used to believe he would be born in Syria. I am sending you as presents two maids, who come from noble Coptic families; clothing and a steed for riding on. Peace be upon you."

It is noteworthy that Muqawqas did not avail himself of this priceless opportunity and he did not embrace Islam. The presents were accepted; Maria, the first maid, stayed with the Prophet [pbuh], and gave birth to his son Ibrahîm; the other Sirin, was given to Hassan bin Thabit Al-Ansari.

3. A Letter to Chosroes, Emperor of Persia

"In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad, the Messenger of Allâh to Chosroes, king of Persia.

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance, believes in Allâh and His Messenger and testifies that there is no god but Allâh Alone with no associate, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. I invite you to accept the religion of Allâh. I am the Messenger of Allâh sent to all people in order that I may infuse fear of Allâh in every living person, and that the charge may be proved against those who reject the Truth. Accept Islam as your religion so that you may live in security, otherwise, you will be responsible for all the sins of the Magians."

‘Abdullah bin Hudhafa As-Sahmi was chosen to carry the letter. This envoy carried it to the king of Bahrain but we do not know as yet if the latter despatched to Chosroes by one of his men or chose ‘Abdullah himself.

The proud monarch was enraged by the style of the letter as the name of the Prophet [pbuh] had been put above his own name. He tore the letter into shreds and forthwith dictated a command to his viceroy in Yemen to send a couple of troopers to arrest the Prophet and bring him to his presence. The governor, Bazan by name, immediately sent two men to Madinah for the purpose. As soon as the men reached Madinah, the Prophet [pbuh] was informed by a Divine Revelation that Pervez, the emperor of Persia, had been murdered by his son. The Prophet [pbuh] disclosed to them the news and they were stunned. He added asking them to tell their new monarch that Islam would prevail everywhere and outstrip the sovereignty of Chosroes himself. They hurried back to Bazan and communicated to him what they heard. Meanwhile, Sherweh, the new monarch sent a letter to Bazan confirming the news and bidding him to stop any procedures as regards the Prophet till further notice. Bazan, together with the Persians in Yemen, went into the folds of Islam, and gladly signified his adhesion to the Prophet. [Fath Al-Bari 8/127,128]

4. The Envoy to Caesar, King of Rome

Al-Bukhari gave a long narration of the contents of the letter sent by the Prophet [pbuh] to Hercules, king of the Byzantines:

"In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad, the slave of Allâh and His Messenger to Hercules, king of the Byzantines.

Blessed are those who follow true guidance. I invite you to embrace Islam so that you may live in security. If you come within the fold of Islam, Allâh will give you double reward, but in case you turn your back upon it, then the burden of the sins of all your people shall fall on your shoulders.

"Say (O Muhammad [pbuh]): ‘O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allâh, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allâh.’ Then, if they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’ " [Al-Qur'an 3:64][Sahih Al-Bukhari 1/4,5]

The Muslim envoy, Dihyah bin Khalifah Al-Kalbi, was ordered to hand the letter over to king of Busra, who would in turn, send it to Caesar.

Incidentally, Abu Sufyan bin Harb, who by that time had not embraced Islam, was summoned to the court and Hercules asked him many questions about Muhammad [pbuh] and the religion which he preached. The testimony which this avowed enemy of the Prophet gave regarding the personal excellence of the Prophet’s character and the good that Islam was doing the human race, left Hercules wonder-struck.

Al-Bukhâri, on the authority of Ibn Abbas, narrated that Hercules sent for Abu Sufyan and his companions, who happened to be trading in Ash-Sham, Jerusalem. That was during the truce that had been concluded between the polytheists of Quraish and the Messenger of Allâh [pbuh]. Hercules, seated amongst his chiefs of staff, asked, "Who amongst you is the nearest relative to the man who claims to be a Prophet?" "I (Abu Sufyan) replied: ‘I am the nearest relative to him from amongst the group.’ So they made me sit in front of him and made my companions sit behind me. Then he called upon his translator and said (to him). ‘Tell them (i.e. Abu Sufyan’s companions) that I am going to ask him (i.e. Abu Sufyan) regarding that men who claims to be a Prophet. So if he tells a lie, they should contradict him (instantly)’. By Allâh had I not been afraid that my companions would consider me a liar, I would have told lies", Abu Sufyan later said.

Abu Sufyan’s testimony went as follows: "Muhammad descends from a noble family. No one of his family happened to assume kingship. His followers are those deemed weak with numbers ever growing. He neither tells lies nor betrays others, we fight him and he fights us but with alternate victory. He bids people to worship Allâh Alone with no associate, and abandon our fathers’ beliefs. He orders us to observe prayer, honesty, abstinence and maintain strong family ties." "Hercules, on hearing this testimony, turned to his translator bidding him to communicate to us his following impression which reveals full conviction in the truthfulness of Muhammad’s Prophethood: ‘I fully realize that Prophets come from noble families; he does not affect any previous example of Prophethood. Since none of his ancestors was a monarch, we cannot then allege that he is a man trying to reclaim his father’s monarchy. So long as he does not tell lies to people, he is for the more reason, immune to telling lies as regards Allâh. Concerning his followers being those deemed weak with numbers ever growing, it is something that goes in agreement with questions of Faith until this latter assumes its full dimensions geographically and demographically. I have understood that no instance of apostasy has as yet appeared among his followers, and this points to the bliss of Faith that finds its abode in the human heart. Betrayal, as I see, is alien to him because real Prophets hold betrayal in abhorrence. Bidding worship of Allâh with no associates, observance of prayer, honesty and abstinence and prohibition of paganism are traits bound to subject to him all my possessions. I have already known that a Prophet must arise but it has never occurred to me that he will be an Arab from among you. If I was sure I would be faithful to him, I might hope to meet him, and if I were with him, I would wash his feet.’ Hercules then requested that the Prophet’s letter be read. The observations of the emperor and finally the definite and clear-cut exposition of the Islamic message could not but create a tense atmosphere amongst the clergy present at the court. We were ordered to go out." Abu Sufyan said, "While coming out, I said to my companions, ‘The matter of Ibn Abi Kabshah (i.e. Muhammad [pbuh]) has become so prominent that even the king of Banu Al-Asfar (i.e. the Romans) is afraid of him.’ So I continued to believe that Allâh’s Messenger [pbuh] would be victorious, till Allâh made me embrace Islam." The king did not embrace Islam — for it was differently ordained. However, the Muslim envoy was returned to Madinah with the felicitations of the emperor.

On his way back to Madinah, Dihyah Al-Kalbi was intercepted by people from Judham tribe in Hasmi, who looted the presents sent to the Prophet [pbuh]. Zaid bin Haritha at the head of five hundred men was despatched to that spot, inflicted heavy losses on those people and captured 1000 camels, 5000 of their cattle and a hundred women and boys. The chief of Judham who had embraced Islam filed a complaint with the Prophet, who gave a positive response to the former’s protest, and ordered that all the spoils and captives be returned.

5. A Letter to Mundhir bin Sawa, Governor of Bahrain

The Prophet [pbuh] despatched ‘Al-‘Ala’ bin Al-Hadrami to the governor of Bahrain, carrying a letter inviting him to embrace Islam. In reply, Al-Mundhir bin Sawa wrote the following letter:

"Allâh’s Messenger [pbuh]! I received your injunctions. Prior to this, I read your letter, which you wrote to the people of Bahrain extending to them an invitation to Islam. Islam appealed to some of them and they entered the fold of Islam, while others did not find it appealing. In my country, there live Magians and Jews, and therefore you may inform me of the treatment to be extended to them."

The Prophet [pbuh] wrote the following letter in reply to his:

"In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad, Messenger of Allâh to Mundhir bin Sawa.

Peace be on you! I praise Allâh with no associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Thereafter, I remind you of Allâh, the Mighty, the Glorious. Whoever accepts admonition, does it for his own good. Whoever follows my messengers and acts in accordance with their guidance, he, in fact, accepts my advice.

My messengers have highly praised your behaviour. You shall continue in your present office. Give the new Muslims full chance to preach their religion. I accept your recommendation regarding the people of Bahrain, and I pardon the offences of the offenders; therefore, you may also forgive them.

Of the people of Bahrain whoever wants to go on in their Jewish or Magian faith, should be made to pay Jizya (poll-tax)."[Za'd Al-Ma'ad 3/61,62]

6. A Letter to Haudha bin ‘Ali, Governor of Yamama

"In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad, Messenger of Allâh to Haudha bin ‘Ali.

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance. Be informed that my religion shall prevail everywhere. You should accept Islam, and whatever under your command shall remain yours."

The envoy chosen was Sulait bin ‘Amr Al-‘Amiri, who after communicating his message, carried back the following reply to the Prophet [pbuh]:

"The Faith, to which you invite me, is very good. I am a famous orator and poet, the Arabs highly respect me and I am of account among them. If you include me in your government, I am prepared to follow you."

The governor then bestowed a reward on Sulait and presented him with clothes made of Hajr fabric. Of course, he put all those presents in the trust of the Prophet [pbuh].

The Prophet [pbuh] did not accept Haudha’s demand. He usually turned down such peremptory tone, and would say that the whole matter was in the Hand of Allâh, Who gave His land to whoever He desired. Gabriel later came with the Revelation that Haudha had died. The Prophet [pbuh], in the context of his comment on this news, said: "Yamama is bound to give rise to a liar who will arrogate Prophethood to himself but he will subsequently be killed." In reply to a question relating to the identity of the killer, the Prophet said "It is one of you, followers of Islam."[Za'd Al-Ma'ad 3/63]

7. A Letter to Harith bin Abi Shamir Al-Ghassani, King of Damascus

"In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad, Messenger of Allâh to Al-Harith bin Abi Shamir.

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance, believes in it and regards it as true. I invite you to believe in Allâh Alone with no associate, thenceafter your kingdom will remain yours."

Shuja‘ bin Wahab had the honour of taking the letter to Harith, who upon hearing the letter read in his audience, was madly infuriated and uttered: "Who dares to disposs me of my country, I’ll fight him (the Prophet)," and arrogantly rejected the Prophet’s invitation to the fold of Islam.[Za'd Al-Ma'ad 3/62; Muhadarat Tareekh Al-Umam Al-Islamiyah 1/146]

8. A Letter to the King of ‘Oman, Jaifer, and his Brother ‘Abd Al-Jalandi

"In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah to Jaifer and ‘Abd Al-Jalandi.

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance; thereafter I invite both of you to the Call of Islam. Embrace Islam. Allâh has sent me as a Prophet to all His creatures in order that I may instil fear of Allâh in the hearts of His disobedient creatures so that there may be left no excuse for those who deny Allâh. If you two accept Islam, you will remain in command of your country; but if you refuse my Call, you’ve got to remember that all your possessions are perishable. My horsemen will appropriate your land, and my Prophethood will assume preponderance over your kingship."

‘Amr bin Al-’As, who was chosen to carry the letter, narrated the following story that happened before he was admitted into the audience of Jaifer.

"When I arrived in ‘Oman I contacted ‘Abd, who was known to be more mild-tempered than his brother:

‘Amr: I am the messenger of Allâh’s Prophet coming to see both, you and your brother.

‘Abd: You have to see my brother and read to him the letter you are carrying. He is my senior in both age and kingship. Incidentally, what is the purport of your mission?

‘Amr: The Prophet calls upon you to believe in Allâh Alone with no associate, discard any other deities and testify to the slavehood and Messengership of Muhammad.

‘Abd: O ‘Amr! You come from a noble family, but first of all, tell me what was your father’s attitude concerning this Faith? You know, we used to follow his steps.

‘Amr: Death overtook him before believing in Muhammad’s mission; I wish now he had embraced Islam and been truthful to it before his death. I myself had adopted the same attitude until Allâh guided me towards Islam.

‘Abd: When did you embrace Islam?

‘Amr: When I was at Negus’s court. By the way, the latter did also enter into the fold of Islam.

‘Abd: What was his people’s reaction?

‘Amr: They approved of him and followed his steps.

‘Abd: The bishops and monks?

‘Amr: They did the same.

‘Abd: Beware ‘Amr of lying for this soon betrays man.

‘Amr: I never tell lies; moreover, our religion never allows it.

‘Abd: Has Hercules been informed of the Islamization of Negus?

‘Amr: Yes, of course.

‘Abd: How did you happen to know that?

‘Amr: Negus used to pay land tax to Hercules, but when the former embraced Islam, he swore he would discontinue that tax. When this news reached Hercules, his courtiers urged him to take action against Negus but he refused and added that he himself would do the same if he were not sparing of his kingship.

‘Abd: What does your Prophet exhort you to do?

‘Amr: He exhorts us to obey Allâh, the All-Mighty, the All-Glorious, be pious and maintain good ties with family kin; he forbids disobedience, aggression, adultery, wine, idolatry and devotion to the cross.

‘Abd: Fair words and fair beliefs are those you are calling for. I wish my brother would follow me to believe in Muhammad [pbuh] and profess his religion, but my brother is too sparing of his kingship to become a subordinate.

‘Amr: Should your brother surrender himself to Islam, the Prophet would give him authority over his people and take alms tax from the wealthy people to be given to the needy.

‘Abd: That is fair behaviour. But what is this alms tax you have mentioned?

‘Amr: It is a Divine injunction that alms tax be taken from the well-to-do people who have surplus wealth and be distributed to the poor.

‘Abd: I doubt if this can work among our people.

‘Amr stayed for some days to be admitted into Jaifer’s court until he was finally granted this permit. "He asked me to hand him the letter to read it. After that he asked me how Quraish reacted and I answered that they had followed him, some out of their own freewill and others overpowered by military fighting. Now, people have chosen Islam in preference to other creeds, and have realized through their mental insight that they had been straying in darkness. None, except you, is now out of the domain of Islam, so I advise you to embrace Islam so that you can provide security to yourself and your country."

Here, he asked me to call on him the following day. The following day he showed some reluctance in receiving me but his brother, ‘Abd, interceded and I was given the chance to see him again but this time to address me in a threatening arrogant tone. However, after a private talk with his brother and reconsidering the whole situation, both brothers embraced Islam and proved to be true to Islam that had begun to make its way into this new area.

The context of this story reveals that this letter was sent at a much later date than the others, most likely after the conquest of Makkah.

Through these letters, the Prophet managed to communicate his Message to most monarchs at that time; some believed, while others remained obdurate and persisted in their disbelief. However, the idea of embracing Islam, and the advent of a new Prophet preoccupied all of them.