Heraclius
Arabic: Hiraql (هرقل)
Turkish: Herakleios
Introduction
Heraclius, known in Arabic as Hiraql (هرقل), was the Roman Emperor to whom Prophet Muhammad sent an embassy with a letter inviting him to embrace Islam. This significant historical event took place in the year A.H. 7 (A.D. 628).
Historical Context
In the autumn of 628, after a victorious campaign against the Persians, Heraclius fulfilled a vow of thanksgiving by making a pilgrimage on foot from Edessa to Jerusalem, where he ceremoniously restored the “true cross” to the Holy Sepulchre. During this period, an unusual dispatch written in Arabic was laid before him. The letter had been forwarded by the Governor of Bostra, and it originated from Prophet Muhammad, expressing an invitation to the Emperor to embrace Islam.
The Letter of Prophet Muhammad
Content of the Letter
According to Islamic tradition and accounts by historians like Ibn `Abbas, the content of the letter was as follows:
<p>“In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. This letter is from Muhammad, the Messenger of God, to Heraclius, Chief of ar-Rūm. Peace be upon whosoever follows the guidance. After this, I say, verily, I call thee to Islam. Embrace Islam that you may attain peace. Embrace Islam, and God will give you a double reward. If you reject Islam, then upon you shall rest the sins of your subjects and followers. O People of the Book (i.e., Christians), come to a common creed between us and you, that we worship none but God, nor associate anything with Him, nor take one another as lords beside God. But if they turn back, then say, ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’”<br> (Qur’an, 3:57)</p>
Reactions to the Letter
The letter resulted in various responses and reactions:
- Immediate Reception: The letter was likely preserved as a curiosity or artifact.
- Traditional Account: According to Islamic tradition, Heraclius gathered his chiefs in Hims and questioned them about following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Despite an initial show of interest, fearing the loss of his kingdom, Heraclius ultimately desisted.
- Shi’ah Traditions: These traditions contain a similar version of the letter with slight variations. They emphasize the religious call to monotheism and unity under God’s worship.
- Subsequent Communications: Another dispatch was addressed to Harith VII, Prince of the Bani Ghassan, which amplified the invitation’s audacity and religious significance.
Etymology
The term “Heraclius” is derived from the Greek word Hērakleios (Ἡράκλειος). In Arabic, it is translated to Hiraql (هرقل), demonstrating the influence of Heraclius’s reign across different cultures. The Turkish rendition follows closely as Herakleios.
Significance in Islamic Tradition
Heraclius’s interaction with Prophet Muhammad’s emissaries is significant for several reasons:
- Early Islamic Diplomacy: It illustrates the early diplomatic efforts of Islam to engage with other world leaders.
- Prophetic Mission: The letters emphasize the universal message of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad’s mission to call people from different nations and creeds to submit to one God.
- Historical Impact: Though Heraclius did not convert, the correspondence reflects the expanding influence of Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula.
Recommended Reading
For further studies on Heraclius and his correspondence with Prophet Muhammad, consider the following books:
- “The Life of Muhammad” by William Muir - Provides detailed historical accounts and primary sources.
- “Hayat al-Qulub by Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi” - Explores Shi’ah traditions and versions of the letter.
- “Islam and the West: The Early 700-1000” by Norman Daniel - Examines historical interactions between Islam and Christian empires.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Heraclius’ interaction with Prophet Muhammad is an essential story that highlights the early outreach efforts of Islam and the foretelling changes within the Roman Empire’s interactions with emerging Islamic states. Despite his lack of conversion, Heraclius’s engagement marks a seminal moment in the Islamic historical narrative.
The story underscores Islam’s approach to interfaith communication, inviting collaborative understanding and respect for monotheism, and it richly contributes to understanding the complex interplay between Islam and pre-Existing world powers.
