Islamiyat · May / June 2025 · Paper 12 · Question 4

Give an account of the letters sent by the Prophet (pbuh) to spread Islam outside Madina.

Use the AO1 Levels of Response.

Candidates should include some of the following points. All other relevant points must be credited.

Following the Treaty of Hudaybiyya the Prophet (pbuh) began to reach out to neighbouring regions to tell them about Islam. He sent envoys with letters to Emperors in Persia, Byzantine and Abyssinia as well as other heads of states and tribes.

The letter to the Persian/Sassanid Emperor Chosroe. The Prophet (pbuh) sent a letter with Abdullah ibn Hudhafa. On arriving in the Emperor’s court, Chosroe signalled to his men to take the letter from Abdullah. Abdullah refused to give it and said that the Prophet (pbuh) had asked him to deliver it himself and he would not go against the Prophet (pbuh). Chosroe allowed him to come near and took the letter. He called a translator to read the letter. It began: ‘In the name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful. From Muhammad, the Messenger of God, to Chosroe the ruler of Persia. Peace on whoever follows the guidance…’

Chosroe did not allow the man to read any more. He became angry and tore the letter up because the Prophet (pbuh) had not honoured Chosroe in the letter. Abdullah was taken away, and as he did not know what would happen to him, he got on his mount and left.

In Madina, he told the Prophet (pbuh) what happened, who said, ‘May God tear up his kingdom.’

The letter to the Byzantine ruler. The letter sent to Heraclius was similar to the one sent to Chosroe. Heraclius happened to be in Jerusalem at the time. Instead of tearing the letter up, Heraclius kept the letter and wanted to know more about who sent it and if it contained the truth. Abu Sufyan happened to be trading in the area and he was called to answer questions. Abu Sufyan was not Muslim at that time.

Heraclius asked about the lineage of the Prophet (pbuh) to which Abu Sufyan replied that it was a noble one. Heraclius then asked if any of the ancestors of Muhammed (pbuh) were kings, or if Muhammad (pbuh) was prone to lying. Abu Sufyan replied, no. Heraclius then asked if the poor or rich followed Muhammad (pbuh), and Abu Sufyan said that his followers were the poor and powerless. Heraclius asked a few more questions and the replies convinced him that the man being talked about had the hallmarks of a prophet. Heraclius addressed his people who rejected the message of the Prophet (pbuh). Heraclius seemed to acknowledge the coming of a prophet but did not become Muslim.

The letter to the Abyssinian King. Najasahi’s letter inviting him to Islam summarised the Islamic teachings of Jesus, because Najashi was Christian. This was different from the other letters. It is said that Najashi accepted Islam after this but did not tell his people. When Najashi passed away, the Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘your brother has died in Habasha (Abyssinia)’ and for the first time the funeral prayer was prayed when the body was not present. Other letters that were sent were to the Vicegerent of Egypt, Muqawaqis, who did not become Muslim but sent gifts to the Prophet (pbuh) including two slave girls, Maria and Sirin.

The governor of Bahrain was sent a letter through Al-Alaa Al-Hadrami. He, along with some people of his area, accepted Islam while some refused. The King of Damascus, Haris ibn Abi Shamir also received a letter from the Prophet (pbuh). He was arrogant in his response and refused to accept Islam. He even threatened to attack Madina.

Oman was ruled by two brothers Jayfar and Abd. Amr bin al As was sent with a letter. They embraced Islam.

Some candidates might also mention the letter sent to the ruler of Busra and the Battle of Mu’tah (Shurahbil ibn Amr). The envoy was killed, so the Prophet (pbuh) sent a force to avenge his death.

Why was it important for the Prophet (pbuh) to send letters to leaders outside Madina inviting them to Islam?

Use the AO2 Levels of Response.

Candidates can give other examples, and all relevant answers should be credited.

Candidates may argue that it was important because Islam had now established itself in Arabia, and it was important to ensure that the neighbouring tribes and regions were going to have peaceful relations with the Muslims.

It was also important to know who was not going to be friendly with the Muslims so that they could be prepared for any possible attacks on them. Ultimately, the Prophet (pbuh) believed in his message of bringing people to Islam and belief in one God, and so it was important for him to send letters to others to invite them to join him in the blessings that he had from being a Muslim.