The Prophetic Letter to Heraclius A Timeless Message of Truth and Wisdom
Continuing with the third part of Dr Khaled Al Houli’s powerful sermon we are taken deeper into the life and mission of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This section focuses on one of the most profound and strategic moments in the Seerah the Prophet’s letter to Heraclius the emperor of the Romans. What might seem like a simple letter carried a message so powerful it echoed across empires and left an undeniable mark on history and revelation.
A Letter that Carried Revelation
Dr Al Houli reflected on how the Prophet ﷺ sent messengers with letters to world leaders. Heraclius received Dihyah al Kalbi and the emperor of Persia received Abdullah ibn Hudhafah. These were not diplomatic gestures. They were invitations to Islam based on mercy and truth.
This confirms that a single trustworthy report is valid. The Prophet ﷺ trusted one man with delivering a divine message and not one ruler objected to the method. It was never about how the message came. It was always about what it said.
Revelation Came to One Man
Just as Allah revealed the Quran to one Prophet the people of Quraysh objected out of arrogance. They said
Why was this Quran not sent down upon a great man from one of the two towns
Allah answered them saying
Do they distribute the mercy of your Lord It is We who have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of this world
Truth is not based on human preference. It is chosen by Allah and delivered to whom He wills.
Beginning with the Name of Allah
Dr Al Houli noted how the Prophet ﷺ opened the letter with
In the name of Allah the Most Merciful the Most Compassionate
This opening shows that even messages to non Muslims should begin with the name of Allah. It is part of Islamic etiquette and reflects consistency in principle and manner.
A Greeting of Wisdom
The Prophet ﷺ wrote
Peace be upon the one who follows guidance
This greeting balances respect and truth. Scholars say this is a valid greeting for non Muslims in contexts of dawah. It reflects dignity and invites conversation without blurring the lines of belief.
Invitation and Warning
The core of the message read
Accept Islam and you will be safe Allah will give you your reward twice But if you turn away then upon you is the sin of the Arians
The Arians were Christians who believed in monotheism. They were simple people often from rural areas. Heraclius as a leader would be held responsible not only for his own rejection of truth but for misleading those who followed him.
The Sincere Are Rewarded Twice
The Prophet ﷺ promised
Allah will give you your reward twice
This applies to those from previous scriptures who followed the truth when it reached them again. Their early belief and their acceptance of Islam are both honored. This shows the generosity of Allah for those who seek truth sincerely.
The Prophet’s Humble Identity
He introduced himself as
From Muhammad the servant of Allah and His Messenger
He used no titles of royalty or power. The Prophet ﷺ showed that true honor lies in servitude to Allah. This is the highest status a person can carry.
Addressing with Respect Not Compromise
The Prophet ﷺ addressed Heraclius as the great one of Rome. He did not call him king or emperor. He acknowledged his worldly rank without affirming religious falsehood. This careful language offers a model of how to speak with honesty and strategy.
The Weight of Leadership
The Prophet ﷺ warned that those who mislead others carry their burden. He said
Whoever calls to misguidance bears the sin of those who follow him without their burden being reduced
Anyone in a position of influence must remember this responsibility whether they are leaders parents teachers or public figures.
The Duty to Share the Truth
Dr Al Houli concluded by reminding us that this message was not just for Heraclius. It is a lesson for the entire Ummah. The mission to share Islam continues. Allah says
And who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah does righteous deeds and says I am one of the Muslims
This letter was a dawah blueprint from the Prophet ﷺ. May we follow his example with clarity humility and courage.