The Prophet's Letter to al-Muqawqis of Egypt

The Prophet sent Hatib ibn Abi Balta'ah to deliver a letter to al-Muqawqis (Jurayj ibn Mina), the Coptic ruler of Egypt. The letter invited him to Islam with a similar message to the other rulers. Al-Muqawqis received Hatib with honor and read the letter respectfully. He said: 'I have considered this matter. I find that he does not command anything that is reprehensible, nor does he prohibit anything that is desirable. I find that he is neither a deviant sorcerer nor a lying fortune-teller, and I see with him signs of prophethood.' However, he did not accept Islam, saying: 'I fear for my kingdom.' He sent the Prophet gifts including two slave girls, Mariyah al-Qibtiyyah and her sister Sirin, a white mule named Duldul, a donkey named Ya'fur, fine Egyptian linen, and a jar of honey. The Prophet married Mariyah, who bore him his son Ibrahim, and gave Sirin to Hassan ibn Thabit.