The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page 183
VI - All Races Invited to Islām 183 Obviously, as far as sheer preaching is concerned, having or not having a ring is an irrelevant matter. A true word is just as cogent without a seal, as it would be with one, but since the Holy Prophet sa was told that the rulers of this day and age do not give any significance to a letter without a seal, he did not wish to ignore any such aspect as would give rise to a condition of indifference in the heart of the addressee. For this reason, the Holy Prophet sa very particularly acted upon this minor detail, so that no flaw was left in his preaching that would render it ineffective. Indeed, this is the practical example of the Qur’ānic verse: ُ هِيَ اَحْسَن ى بِالَّتِ وَجَادِلْهُم O Messenger! In the matter of preaching Islām, follow the course which is most effective in influencing the heart and mind of your addressee. ” 1 Preaching Expeditions in the Four Corners of Arabia Letters of invitation to Islām, which were dispatched at this instance, were addressed to the rulers of the four corners of Arabia. That is to say, in the North, to Caesar, ruler of the renowned Kingdom of Rome and in the North East, to Chosroes, ruler of the renowned Kingdom of Persia. Then, in the South west of Arabia, to Maqauqis, King of Egypt. 2 In the East, to Ḥaudhah bin ‘Alī the Chieftain of Yamāmah and in the West, to the Negus, King of Abyssinia, which was a Christian government in the continent of Africa, situated directly opposite Arabia. Then, in the South, adjoining the boundary of Arabia, to the Governor of Ghassān who was subservient to Caesar. Similarly, the Holy Prophet sa sent a letter to the south of Arabia, addressed to the Chieftain of 1 An-Nahl (16:126) 2 In actuality, “Maqauqis” was the name of the office of the governor of Egypt and every governor was referred to as “Maqauqis. ” In that era, these governors of Egypt were subservient to Caesar of Rome. However, perhaps this was an inherited position, which except in special circumstances, remained within one distinct family. The Arab people would refer to such leaders as ‘Malik ’ i. e. , King as well.