The Prophet's Letter to the Negus of Abyssinia

The Prophet sent Amr ibn Umayyah al-Damri to deliver a letter to al-Najashi (Negus Ashamah ibn Abjar), the king of Abyssinia who had sheltered the Muslim emigrants years earlier. The letter invited the Negus to Islam and also asked him to facilitate the return of the Muslim emigrants, including Ja'far ibn Abi Talib. The Negus received the letter with great respect, descended from his throne, sat on the ground, and accepted Islam, declaring his faith in Muhammad as the Messenger of Allah. He wrote back to the Prophet confirming his acceptance of Islam and sent the Muslims to Medina in two ships. The Negus also performed the Prophet's marriage by proxy to Umm Habibah bint Abi Sufyan, who was among the emigrants. When the Negus later died, the Prophet informed his companions and led the funeral prayer in absentia (salat al-gha'ib) for him in Medina, saying: 'A righteous brother of yours has died today.'