Putting the Message Across

Putting the Message Across

1988 3 March 12 Putting the Message Across (378) When after the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, the Prophet Mohammad sent letters to the rulers of the Arabian Peninsula, inviting them to accept Islam, one such letter was despatched in the names of three members of the ruling family of Himyar, an ancient and powerful Arab tribe who had ruled for hundreds of years over the country now known as the Yemen. (The details of this episode are recorded in Tabaqat Ibn Saad, Al-Bidayah wa al Nihayah and other authentic histories of the period).

Ayash Ibn Rabiya, the companion of the Prophet who carried this letter to the Yemen, was specifically instructed by the Prophet to keep on reciting the words, “I seek refuge with God from the accursed Satan,” while on his way, to offer two rakaats of prayers, and to pray to God for the success of his mission immediately upon reaching his destination. He was later to present the Prophet’s letter to Harith, Masruh and Nuayam Ibn Kalal, the three members of the ruling family to whom it was addressed.

Ayash did exactly as he had been instructed. He never ceased to recite, “I seek refuge with God from the accursed Satan,” on his way, and after offering the two rakaats, he prayed for himself and for those to whom he had been sent. Only then did he enter their residence. History tells us that these three men were greatly affected by the Prophet’s invitation, and thereupon in the year 9 AH, entered the fold of Islam. This episode shows the spirit in which a missionary of God should go about his task. If the individual who is invited to accept the Truth is in an obdurate frame of mind, there is every possibility that he will see fit to assert himself, thus causing a great deal of unpleasantness. The preacher of God’s word must then ignore all rudeness or aggressiveness in the potential convert, and sedulously avoid succumbing to provocation. Should he weaken and give in to provocation, he must immediately realize that this is the work of Satan, and should “seek refuge with God.” It is not enough that he should be zealous in reforming people and that he should pray for their right guidance: he must also be sincere in wishing them well.