An Outline of Early Islamic History — Page 80
80 Heraclius: What does he teach ? Abu Sufiyan: That we should worship One God and set up no equal to Him. That we should speak the truth and give up vice, and all evil ways. That we should be good to one another and respect the promises we make to one another. Heraclius said at the end: “I first asked you about his family. You said he belonged to a noble family. Prophets always come of noble families. I then asked if any one before him had made a similar claim. You said no. I put this question because I thought if someone had done so he w as merely following his example. I asked you if he had ever lied before. You said he did not. It was clear to me that a man who would not lie to men would never lie about God. I asked you if any of his forefathers was a ruler. You said, `No’. I then unders tood that his claim was not made to recover an old kingdom. I next asked if his followers were powerful and rich or poor and humble. You said they were mostly poor and humble. So are generally the followers of prophets. I then asked if their numbers were i ncreasing or decreasing. You said that they were increasing. The followers of prophets are always on increase. I asked you if he had every played false. You said, `No. ’ And this is the way of good men. It seems to me that he is a true prophet. I was half e xpecting that he would appear in our time but had no idea that he would be an Arab. If what you have told is true, then his kingdom will extend over these lands. ”