Muqawqis (Ruler of Egypt)

Muqawqis was the Coptic Christian ruler (or Byzantine governor) of Egypt who received the Prophet Muhammad's letter in 7 AH / 628 CE. The letter was carried by the companion Hatib ibn Abi Balta'ah. Muqawqis is identified by most modern scholars as Cyrus of Alexandria, the Chalcedonian bishop and Byzantine governor of Egypt, though some scholars offer alternative identifications. His response to the Prophet's letter was the most respectful of any of the major rulers who received it. He read it, placed it carefully in an ivory box, and dictated a diplomatic reply acknowledging the Prophet's message with respect but declining to convert, citing his position and the difficulty of changing his religion. He sent valuable gifts: two Coptic women (Maria and her sister Sirin), a thousand gold pieces, twenty fine garments, a mule named Duldul, a donkey named Ya'fur, and a large amount of honey. The Prophet ﷺ accepted the gifts. Maria al-Qibtiyyah became the mother of the Prophet's son Ibrahim. Muqawqis's respectful response contrasts sharply with the arrogance of Khosrow and is part of the Seerah's portrayal of the different ways rulers of the world responded to the final message. When the Muslim armies under Amr ibn al-As conquered Egypt in 641 CE, the Coptic Christian population — who had long been oppressed under Byzantine rule — largely welcomed the conquest.