Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 377
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 377 letter is in exact accord with the text mentioned in Islamic books of history and in compila tions of hadith. The Holy Prophet also addressed a letter to As’hama, Negus of Abyssinia, who was already a great admirer of the Holy Prophet and held him in great honour and who had extended great kindness to the Muslims who had, under the Holy Prophet’s direction, migrat ed to his country and were settled there. This letter was committed by the Holy Prophet to Amr bin Umayya Dhamri. Its text was as follows: ‘In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful. From Muhammad, Messenger of Allah, to the Negus, King of Abyssin ia. Peace be on you. I praise Allah beside Whom there is no other worthy of worship, the King, the Most Holy, the Source of Peace, the Bestower of Security, the Protector. I bear witness that Jesus son of Mary was raised by the Word of Allah, which He sent to Mary. I call you to Allah, the One without associate, and to co - operation with me in obedience to Him and to following me, and to believing in that which has been revealed to me, for I am the Messenger of Allah and call you and your people to Allah, th e Exalted. I have conveyed my message to you and have called you out of sincerity to the truth. Then respond to my sincere call. I have already sent my cousin Jafar and a party of Muslims to your country. Peace be on him who follows the guidance. ’ When this letter was presented to the Negus he raised it to his eyes and, descending from his throne, announced, ‘I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. ’ He then called for a small ivory box and placed the letter in it, saying, ‘So long as this letter is preserved under the care of our dynasty, the people of