Chapter 33: Dawah
In the later years of his mission, Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon Him) initiated a far-reaching campaign of dawah, sending emissaries to various rulers and regions beyond the Arabian Peninsula. This strategic effort marked a significant expansion in the spread of Islam. Key emissaries were chosen for their wisdom, eloquence, and understanding of the Islamic faith. These emissaries carried letters from the Prophet, inviting rulers and influential leaders to embrace Islam.
Among the notable emissaries were Dihyah bin Khalifah Al-Kalbi, who was sent to the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius; Abdullah bin Hudhafah As-Sahmi, sent to the Persian Emperor Khosrau II; and Hatib bin Abi Balta'ah, tasked with delivering a message to the Egyptian ruler, the Muqawqis. Each letter conveyed the essence of Islamic teachings and invited the leaders to acknowledge the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
The responses varied greatly, ranging from respectful reception and gifts, as in the case of the Muqawqis, to outright rejection and disdain, as shown by Khosrau II. Despite the mixed reactions, these efforts significantly raised the profile of Islam and the Muslim community in the eyes of the world.
This initiative by the Prophet (PBUH) demonstrated his commitment to peaceful and diplomatic propagation of Islam. It set a precedent in Islamic history for the use of diplomacy in spreading religious and ideological beliefs. These events significantly contributed to the spread of Islam outside the Arabian Peninsula and laid the groundwork for the rapid expansion of Islam after the Prophet's passing.