AFFIRMATION OF PROPHETHOOD

Affirmation of Prophethood ~ 267 ~ himself to send letters to the neighbouring kings, calling them to Islam. Dihyah ibn Khalifah al Kalbi was chosen as the Prophet’s emissary to Heraclius and met him at the time of his victorious return from the war with Persia during which he had recovered the cross which had been taken away by the Persians when they occupied Jerusalem. The vow which Heraclius had made, namely, to make a pilgrimage on foot to Jerusalem and return the cross to its original place could now be fulfilled. It was on this very pilgrimage to the city of Himes that Muhammad’s message was received. Heraclius was in no way upset by it and sent for some Arabs belonging to Muhammad’s tribe, who had come to Syria in a caravan of Quaraish6 traders, they duly arrived at his court and Heraclius first inquired of them as to who was the closest relative of the person who had claimed prophethood in their city. Abu Sufyan replied that he belonged to the Prophet’s family. Here is a part of the ensuing dialogue. Heraclius: Have you ever heard him telling a lie before he made this claim?