How the Letter from Nabi (Sallallahu ‘alaihi Wasallam) Changed the Belief of an Ethiopian King
Let us remind ourselves of the amazing story of how an Ethiopian King accepted Islam after he read the Mubarak letter sent to him by Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alaihi Wasallam.
This is the story:
The Letter Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alaihi Wasallam sent to Najaashi the King of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) with reference to Hadhrat Ja’far bin Abi Taalib (radhiAllah ‘anhu) and other Sahabah (who had migrated to Abyssinia).
Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alaihi Wasallam sent the letter with Hadhrat Amr bin Umayyah Dhamri (radhiAllahu ‘anhu) to Najaashi:
In the name of Allah the Most Kind, the Most Merciful
From Muhammad the Rasool of Allah
To Najaashi As’ham the King of Abyssinia (Ethiopia)
Peace be to you. I praise Allah the Supreme Sovereign, the Most Pure, the Bestower of Peace, the Protector.
I testify that Isa (‘alaihisSalaam) was the Spirit that Allah created and His Word that He cast to the Chaste, the Pure, and the Innocent Maryam. She bore Isa (‘alaihisSalaam) whom Allah created from the Spirit and Breath from Him just as Allah created Adam (‘alaihisSalaam) by His Hand and Breath from Him.
I call you towards the One Allah Who has no partner and to dutifully obey Him.
I invite you to follow me, to believe in me and in that which I have brought because I am the Rasool of Allah.
I have sent my cousin Ja’far to you together with a group of Muslims.
When they arrive, do treat them as your guests without arrogance.
I invite you and your forces to (the worship of) the Glorious and Magnificent Allah.
I have conveyed my message, given you good counsel so do accept my counsel.
Peace be on the one who follows the guidance.
The Letter of Reply that Najaashi sent to Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘alaihi Wasallam.
In the name of Allah the Most Kind, the Most Merciful
To Muhammad the Rasool of Allah (Sallallahu ‘alaihi Wasallam)
From Najaashi As’ham bin Abjar
May the Peace from Allah, His Mercy and Blessings be showered on you, 0 Nabi of Allah (Sallallahu ‘alaihi Wasallam).
There is none worthy of worship but Allah Who has guided me to Islam.
O Rasulullah (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), your letter concerning Isa (‘alaihisSalaam) has reached me.
I swear by the Rabb of the heavens and the earth that Isa (‘alaihisSalaam) himself never said more than what you have mentioned.
We understand the letter you have sent to us, and we have entertained your cousin and his companions.
I testify that you are the true and accepted Rasool of Allah.
I have pledged my allegiance to you at the hands of your cousin by whose hand I have accepted Islam for the pleasure of Allah the Rabb of the universe.
I am sending to you (my son) Areeha bin As’ham bin Abjar.
I have control over none but my own self.
O Rasulullah (Sallallahu ‘alaihi Wasallam)! If you wish that I come to you personally, I am prepared to do so for I testify that whatever you say is the absolute truth.
– Hayatus Sahabah Vol-1 By Moulana Muhammad Yusuf Kandhlawi (Rahmatullah ‘alayh)
***
Let us make profound du’a that may Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala give non-Muslims who have praised Islam in the present times, the Hidayat to accept Islam…ameen, thumma ameen.
…and Allah Ta’ala knows best.
(Haqqseeker Marhoom)