Chief of the Prophets

Chief of the Prophets — Page 185

Chapter Eight 185 (This letter is) from Muḥammad, the servant of God and His Messenger, written to Muqauqis, the chief of the Copts. Peace be upon him who accepts the guidance. Thereafter, I call you towards the guidance of Islam. Accept Islam; Allah will grant you double reward. If you turn away, then (in addition to your own sins), you will bear the burden of the sins of the Copts. O People of the Book! Come towards the belief that is common between you and us, that we worship not anyone besides Allah nor associate anyone with God under any condition, and do not consider anyone among us as our lord and provider besides God. If they turn away, say to them to bear witness that we are Muslims. 1 The content of this letter and the subsequent discussion with Ḥāṭib ra had a deep impact on Muqauqis, and he acknowledged without any hesitation that not only was he a wise person, but also an ambassador of a wise person. He also added, “I have considered the matter regarding your prophet. His teachings do not include anything bad and do not stop us from anything good. ” He put the letter of Muḥammad sa in an ivory box, and put his seal on it, and handed it to one of the respectable girls of the house for its safekeeping. 2 Thereafter, Muqauqis sent for his Arabic scribe and dictated a letter to Muḥammad sa. The translation of that letter follows: In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful. To Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh, from Muqauqis, the chief of the Copts. Peace be on you! 1 Az-Zarqānī and Mawāhib al-Ladunīyah. 2 Az-Zarqānī and Tārīkhul-Khamīs.