How Heraclius Reacted to the Prophet’s Letter and Why It Matters
Continuing with the second part of Dr Khaled Al Houli’s profound khutbah we move deeper into the remarkable encounter between Abu Sufyan and Heraclius. This moment offers a rare historical window into how one of the most powerful rulers in the world at the time responded to the message of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The Dialogue Between Power and Prophethood
Heraclius had received the Prophet’s letter inviting him to Islam. Wanting to verify the claims he asked if there was anyone present who knew this man personally. Abu Sufyan then still a non Muslim was brought forward and questioned in a public court surrounded by Roman elites. Heraclius positioned his own people to verify whether Abu Sufyan was telling the truth.
Ten Questions That Made the Truth Unavoidable
Heraclius proceeded to ask a series of questions about the Prophet ﷺ. Each question chipped away at any doubt Heraclius might have had.
He asked What is his lineage among you? Abu Sufyan replied He is from a noble family. Did any of his ancestors hold kingship? No. Did anyone make the same claim of prophethood before him? No.
Then came a key question Who follows him the elite or the weak? Abu Sufyan replied The weak. Heraclius said That is always the pattern with prophets.
Are his followers increasing or decreasing? They are increasing. Do any of them leave their religion out of dissatisfaction? No.
To this Heraclius said That is how faith is when it settles in the heart.
When Faith Becomes Sweet
Dr Al Houli emphasized that true faith is not just belief. It is something sweet and deep. Heraclius recognized that once people experience it they do not turn away. Scholars explain that belief carries a spiritual joy that no worldly pleasure can match. As Ibn Taymiyyah said There is a paradise in this world whoever does not enter it will not enter the paradise of the next.
The Prophet’s Character Confirmed
Heraclius asked Has he ever lied? Abu Sufyan replied No. Heraclius said A man who does not lie to people would never lie about God.
Has he ever broken a treaty? No. But Abu Sufyan trying to undermine the Prophet added We are currently in a truce and we do not know what he will do.
Dr Al Houli noted this was the only negative Abu Sufyan could find. Even this was not a flaw but a reflection of the political uncertainty of the time. Heraclius still concluded Prophets do not betray.
Struggles in Battle Are Part of the Path
Heraclius asked Have you fought him? Yes. How has that gone? Sometimes we win sometimes he wins.
Heraclius acknowledged That is how it is with prophets. Until God grants them final victory.
If Allah had willed He could have taken vengeance on them but He wanted to test some of you by means of others
The Prophet’s Call Worship and Morality
Heraclius asked What does he command you to do? Abu Sufyan replied He tells us to worship Allah alone and abandon the ways of our ancestors. He commands us to pray speak truthfully maintain family ties and live in purity.
Heraclius responded This is exactly what prophets call to.
Dr Al Houli focused here on one key term Abu Sufyan mentioned chastity. Even a polytheist like Abu Sufyan recognized that the Prophet’s message upheld moral decency. Heraclius a Christian affirmed that this call to chastity and worship was the way of all messengers.
A Testimony from the Enemy of the Time
At the end of the conversation Heraclius said If what you are saying is true then this man will rule the land beneath my feet. He added If I knew I could reach him I would travel to meet him. If I were with him I would wash his feet.
Abu Sufyan turned to his companions and said The matter of Ibn Abi Kabshah has become serious. Even the king of the Romans fears him.
Abu Sufyan would later become Muslim. But even before that he recognized that Islam was rising and unstoppable.
A Message That Shook Empires
Heraclius then had the letter from the Prophet read aloud. It began
In the name of Allah the Most Merciful the Most Compassionate From Muhammad the servant of Allah and His Messenger to Heraclius the ruler of the Romans Accept Islam and you will be safe Allah will give you your reward twice But if you turn away then you will carry the sin of the Arians
Abu Sufyan said That is when I knew Islam would prevail.
Even before the armies of Islam reached Jerusalem its truth had already reached the heart of an emperor.
Conclusion A Lesson in Clarity and Courage
Dr Khaled Al Houli concluded this segment of the khutbah by reminding us that the truth of Islam is self evident. Even enemies of the Prophet could not deny it. The Prophet ﷺ was honest consistent principled and unwavering in his call to worship one God and live a moral life.
May we carry this message forward with the same clarity courage and sincerity. May our words and character reflect the message of our Prophet ﷺ to a world still searching for guidance.