The Prophet's Letter to Heraclius, Emperor of Byzantium

The Prophet sent Dihyah ibn Khalifah al-Kalbi to deliver a letter to Heraclius, the Byzantine Emperor. The letter read: 'In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. From Muhammad, the servant and messenger of Allah, to Heraclius, the leader of the Romans. Peace be upon whoever follows guidance. I invite you with the call of Islam. Accept Islam and you will be safe, and Allah will give you a double reward. If you turn away, then upon you will be the sin of the Arisiyyin (your subjects).' Heraclius was in Jerusalem at the time, celebrating his victory over the Persians. He summoned Abu Sufyan, who was in Syria on business, and questioned him about the Prophet. Abu Sufyan, though still an enemy of Islam, answered honestly about the Prophet's character, lineage, and message. Heraclius told Abu Sufyan: 'If what you say is true, he will soon rule the ground beneath my feet. I wish I were with him; I would wash his feet.' However, fearing the loss of his throne, Heraclius did not accept Islam publicly.