In many cases, the messengers of the Prophet Mohammed Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam were badly treated and abused. But the Prophet Mohammed Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam was not worried by these setbacks. He was inviting people to the right path and a few setbacks could not deter him from propagating Islam.
Abu Sufyan a leader of the tribe of Quraish and the arch enemy of the Prophet Mohammed Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam was in Constantinople on a business trip, when the Prophet Mohammed's Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam(pbuh) letter of invitation reached Hercules, the Byzantine emperor of Eastern Roman Empire. Hercules, at the time was in his court at Constantinople celebrating his victory over the Persians.
Hercules read the letter through an interpreter and then asked the people in his court, to find out if there was someone in the city, who knew the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh). Abu Sufyan with his companions was brought into the court.
The emperor Hercules asked Abu Sufyan Radi Allahu anhu, "What kind of family does Mohammed Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam belong to?"
"Noble", replied Abu Sufyan Radi Allahu anhu.
"Has there been a king in his family?" Hercules asked.
"No," said Abu Sufyan Radi Allahu anhu.
"Are the people who have accepted his religion poor or rich?" Hercules questioned again.
"They are poor", replied Abu Sufyan Radi Allahu anhu.
Hercules was now becoming more and more interested and he went on asking questions.
His next question was, "Are his followers on the increase or decrease?"
"Increasing", Abu Sufyan Radi Allahu anhu replied shortly.
"Have you known him to tell lies"? Hercules asked.
"No", admitted Abu Sufyan Radi Allahu anhu.
"Does he ever go against his convents?" Hercules once again asked.
"Not so far. But we have to see whether he carries out the new agreement made between us and him", Abu Sufyan Radi Allahu anhu answered lengthily for a change.
"Have you ever fought him in wars?" Hercules questioned.
"Yes", answered Abu Sufyan Radi Allahu anhu.
"What has been the result?" Hercules asked, getting more and more interested.
"Sometimes we have won, sometimes he", replied Abu Sufyan Radi Allahu anhu.
"What does he teach?" Hercules asked.
"Worship One God, join no partners with Him, carry out your prayers, be chaste, speak the truth and keep union with your relatives", answered Abu Sufyan Radi Allahu anhu.
Even surprised at his own answer as it sounded like he was preaching Islam, Hercules stood up and said, "If all you said is true, then I am sure that this Prophet's Kingdom will reach here where I am standing. I was certain that a Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam was coming, but I didn't know that he would be born in Arabia. If I were to go there, I would embrace Islam and wash the Prophet's feet with my own hands."
This was the way in which the Prophet Mohammed Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam spread Islam.
Prophet Mohammed Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam impressed them by his truthfulness, honesty, noble character and dedication in the service of Allah. Prophet Mohammed Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam did not compel people to accept Islam under threat of waging wars, nor did he compel people to accept Islam by the force of the sword. Prophet Mohammed Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam fought only in defense, and only when the enemies waged war on him.
Edited to add the respects.
| by Saalik » |
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