The Fall of Kisra
In a stirring and passionate lecture, Dr. Khaled Jasim Al-Houli brings to life one of the most powerful episodes from the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): the moment he sent letters to kings and emperors across the known world, calling them to Islam with wisdom, courage, and dignity. Dr. Al-Houli’s words offer a reflection not just on historical moments, but also on divine justice, prophetic integrity, and the universality of Islam.
A New Chapter After Khaybar
After the victorious conclusion of the Battle of Khaybar, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) turned to the world beyond Arabia. He began dispatching letters to rulers far and wide, inviting them to the truth of Islam. Dr. Al-Houli frames this as the opening of a new chapter in the divine mission, one not limited by borders or politics.
Among those addressed were Emperor Heraclius of Rome and Khosrow II (Kisra) of Persia. Each received a letter carried by a companion of the Prophet. The style of these letters was direct and dignified. They began with peace and ended with a firm reminder: accept the message and you are safe. Reject it, and the burden of your people’s disbelief will weigh on your shoulders.
The Letter to Khosrow II: Arrogance Meets Prophecy
Dr. Al-Houli focuses deeply on the Prophet’s letter to Khosrow II, carried by Abdullah ibn Hudhafah as-Sahmi. It began:
“From Muhammad, the Messenger of God, to Khosrow, the Great of Persia. Peace be upon those who follow guidance. Accept Islam and you will be safe. If you reject, you bear the sin of the Magians.”
Instead of receiving it with thoughtfulness or curiosity, Khosrow II tore the letter apart. He could not bear that the name of Muhammad (peace be upon him) came before his own. Dr. Al-Houli highlights the arrogance of Khosrow’s worldview, where pride overshadowed reason and truth.
Upon hearing what had happened, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“May Allah tear his kingdom apart just as he tore my letter.”
Divine Justice Unfolds
Khosrow II escalated the matter by commanding his governor in Yemen, Badhan, to send men to bring the Prophet Muhammad to him in chains. Badhan complied and dispatched two emissaries, who entered Madinah in the style of Persian nobility: clean-shaven faces and thick mustaches.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) rejected their appearance, saying:
“My Lord has commanded me to grow my beard and trim my mustache.”
When the emissaries demanded that the Prophet travel to Yemen with them, he asked them to return the next day. Upon their return, the Prophet informed them:
“My Lord has killed your lord last night.”
They were shocked. But soon after, Badhan received a message from Persia confirming Khosrow II’s assassination by his own son. The Prophet’s words were proven true, and Badhan eventually embraced Islam.
The Kingdom Falls
Dr. Al-Houli traces the unraveling of the Persian Empire following Khosrow II’s insult and hostility toward the Prophet. Each successive ruler met a grim end. The mighty empire that had lasted centuries eventually disintegrated and was conquered during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, particularly under the leadership of Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas.
This collapse fulfilled the prophetic curse, “May Allah tear his kingdom,” reminding listeners of the real consequences of dishonoring the Messenger of God.
Not Just for Arabia: A Message to All Nations
Dr. Al-Houli reminds us that the Prophet’s mission was not for the Arabs alone. The Qur’an says:
“We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107)
With this universal mission, the Prophet boldly reached out to emperors and kings, not fearing rejection, trusting in the protection of Allah.
Even when rulers rejected Islam, few dared insult the Prophet directly. But those who did, like Khosrow II, faced consequences not just in this world, but in history itself.
From Tyranny to Justice
In a powerful anecdote, Dr. Al-Houli shares the story of Rib‘i ibn ‘Amir, a simple Muslim soldier who stood in front of a Persian ruler with torn clothes and a spear in hand. He declared:
“We came to take people out of worshiping other people to the worship of the Lord of all people. From the narrowness of this world to the vastness of this life and the next. And from the oppression of religions to the justice of Islam.”
This statement captures the essence of the Prophet’s message. Islam brings clarity, freedom, and justice.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Khaled Al-Houli’s lecture is a call to reflect on how divine truth was delivered with courage and humility. It also reminds us that those who mock the sacred often meet a fate shaped by their own arrogance.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived as a mercy to all creation, extending his message not just to those nearby, but to the most powerful rulers of his time. His legacy continues to shape hearts and nations.