The Life of the Prophet Muhammad by Ibn Kathir - Volume 3 of 4

362 THE LIFE OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD
Ibn Jarir stated in his work on history as follows, "Ibn Hamid related to us,
quoting Salama, quoting Muhammad b. Ishaq, from a certain scholar, who said,
'Heraclius said to Dihya b. Khalifa al-Kalbi, when the latter brought him the
letter from the Messenger of God (SAAS), "I swear by God, I know well that
your leader is a prophet sent by God and that he is the one whom we have been
awaiting and whom we fmd mentioned in our scripture. But I fear for myself
from the Byzantines; if I did not, I would follow him. Go and see Bishop
Saghz~, and tell hi about your leader. The Byzantines actually consider him
more highly and more persuasive than myself. See what he tells you."
"'Dihya went and told hi what he had brought to Heraclius from the
Messenger of God (SAAS), and informed him of what was the latter's message.
Saghaer responded, "I swear by God, your leader is a prophet; we know him
from his qualities and we find him with his own name in our scriptures."
'"He then went and exchanged black clothing he had been wearing for white.
He took his staff and went out to address the Byzantines in the church. He
said, "Byzantines, a letter has reached us from Ahmad inviting us to God. I
bear witness that there is no god but God, and that Ahad is His servant and
messenger." They attacked him immediately in unison, hitting him until they
had killed him.
"'When Dihya returned and informed Heraclius what had happened, the
latter commented, "I told you! We fear for ourselves from them. And Saghacir
was more respected and effective in speaking with them than myself.""'
Al-Tabran] related, through Yahyz b. Salama b. Kuhayl, from his father, from
'Abd All?& b. Shaddad, from Dihya al-Kalbi, who said, "The Messenger of God
(SAAS) sent me with a letter to Caesar, leader of the Byzantines."
(The account continues) "Caesar was informed that there was a man at his
gate claiming to be an envoy from the Messenger of God (SAAS). Caesar was
disturbed at this and ordered that the man be brought in. This was done; he had
his bishops present with him."
(Dihya continued) "I gave him the letter which stated, 'In the name of God,
the Most Merciful and Beneficent. From Muhammad, Messenger of God, to
Caesar, leader of the Byzantines.' A nephew of Caesar's, tall, red-haired and
blue-eyed, snorted in anger at this and said, 'Don't read out this letter today!
He began it with hiself and then wrote, "leader of the Byzantines" instead of
"king of the Byzantines".'
"The letter was read to its end and Caesar ordered everyo out and sent for
me. I went in and be asked me questions to which I answere f He then sent for
his bishop, their most prominent figure, a man whose opinion and statements
were influential, and when be read the letter, he said, 'By God, he is the prophet
Moses and Caesar foresaw and whom we have awaited!' 'What do you advise
me?' Caesar asked. The bishop replied, 'As for myself, I believe and follow him.'
'I too know', Caesar commented, 'that he is genuine, but I can do nothing. If I
did, my kingdom would be lost and the Byzantines would kill me."'