Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 375
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 375 adopted a serious tone and said, ‘We have already a faith, which we cannot discard unless we find a faith superior to it. ’ Hatab rejoined, ‘Islam is a faith which relieves its followers from the need of any other faith; but it does not require you to disca rd faith in Jesus. Islam teaches faith in all the Prophets. As Moses had prophesied about the coming of Jesus, in the same way Jesus had prophesied about the advent of the Holy Prophet. ’ In a later interview, when several high dignitaries of the church were also present, Muqauqis said to Hatab, ‘I have heard that your Prophet was expelled from his home. Why did he not on that occasion supplicate that his enemies might be destroyed?’ Hatab replied, ‘The Holy Prophet was only compelled to leave his home, but Jesus was apprehended by the Jews and they attempted to put an end to him on the cross, yet he was not able to bring about the destruction of his enemies through supplication. ’ Muqauqis o bserved, ‘You certainly are an intelligent person and have been chosen as an envoy by a wise man. I have reflected on what you have told me about your Prophet and I find that he has not taught anything ill nor forbidden anything good. ’ He then placed the H oly Prophet’s letter in a small ivory box, sealed it and committed it to the custody of one of his female servants. He then sent for a scribe who knew Arabic and dictated the following letter: ‘In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful. To Muhamma d bin Abdullah, from Muqauqis Chief of the Copts. Peace be on you. I have read your letter and have understood its contents, and that to which you have called me. I am aware that a Prophet is yet to arise; but I am of the opinion that he will appear in Syr ia. I have done honour to your envoy and I am sending you