Invitation to Islam Prior to Jihad: Difference between revisions

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The practice of inviting non-Muslim nations to join [[Islam]] or pay the [[Jizyah]] prior to engaging in [[Jihad]] was first initiated by Prophet [[Muhammad]]. It was followed by the Rightly-Guided [[Caliph]]s and leaders of Islamic empires, codified within the Islamic [[Shariah|Shari'ah]]<ref>Ahmad Ibn Lulu Ibn Al-Naqib, translated by Noah Ha Mim Keller - [http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Traveller-Classic-Islamic-Al-Salik/dp/0915957728 Reliance of the Traveller: The Classic Manual of Islamic Sacred Law Umdat Al-Salik (o9.0-8)] - Published by Amana Corporation; Revised edition (July 1, 1997), ISBN-13: 978-0915957729</ref> and is continued today by various Islamic leaders and [[Terrorism|terrorist]] organizations.
The practice of inviting non-Muslim nations to join [[Islam]] or pay the [[Jizyah]] prior to engaging in [[Jihad]] was first initiated by Prophet [[Muhammad]]. It was followed by the Rightly-Guided [[Caliph]]s and leaders of Islamic empires, codified within the Islamic [[Shariah|Shari'ah]]<ref>Ahmad Ibn Lulu Ibn Al-Naqib, translated by Noah Ha Mim Keller - [http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Traveller-Classic-Islamic-Al-Salik/dp/0915957728 Reliance of the Traveller: The Classic Manual of Islamic Sacred Law Umdat Al-Salik (o9.0-8)] - Published by Amana Corporation; Revised edition (July 1, 1997), ISBN-13: 978-0915957729</ref> and is continued today by various Islamic leaders and [[Terrorism|terrorist]] organizations.
[[File:Muhammad-Letter-To-Heraclius.jpg|thumb|right|270px|Letter sent by Prophet [[Muhammad]] to Heraclius, emperor of Byzantium.<ref>Khan, Dr. Majid Ali (1998). Muhammad The Final Messenger. Islamic Book Service, New Delhi, 110002 (India). ISBN 81-85738-25-4</ref>]]
[[File:Muhammad-Letter-To-Heraclius.jpg|thumb|right|270px|Letter sent by Prophet [[Muhammad]] to Heraclius, emperor of Byzantium.<ref>Khan, Dr. Majid Ali (1998). Muhammad The Final Messenger. Islamic Book Service, New Delhi, 110002 (India). ISBN 81-85738-25-4</ref>]]
==Muhammad==
==Historical==


===Letter commanding followers to raid caravans===
===Muhammad===
 
====Letter commanding followers to raid caravans====


This is the letter that led to the murder of an Arab merchant and the revelation of {{Quran|2|217}}.
This is the letter that led to the murder of an Arab merchant and the revelation of {{Quran|2|217}}.
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{{Quote||Go forward to Nakhla, in the name of the Lord, and with His blessing!  Yet force not any of thy followers against his inclination!  Proceed with those that accompany you willingly.  And when thou hast arrived at the valley of Nakhla, there lie in wait for the caravans of the Coreish.<ref>Muir, Sir William. (1878). [http://books.google.com/books?id=-jxbAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false ''The life of Mahomet'']. (p. 217). London: Smith, Elder & Co.</ref>}}
{{Quote||Go forward to Nakhla, in the name of the Lord, and with His blessing!  Yet force not any of thy followers against his inclination!  Proceed with those that accompany you willingly.  And when thou hast arrived at the valley of Nakhla, there lie in wait for the caravans of the Coreish.<ref>Muir, Sir William. (1878). [http://books.google.com/books?id=-jxbAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false ''The life of Mahomet'']. (p. 217). London: Smith, Elder & Co.</ref>}}


===Letter to the Christians of Aylah===
====Letter to the Christians of Aylah====


After hearing rumors that the Romans had gathered at the border of the Byzantine Empire and northern Arabia, Muhammad led his army to engage them in battle.  However, upon reaching Tabuk the rumors proved themselves to be false.  With nothing to do, he sent a detachment to the Christians and Jews east of Tabuk with a letter.
After hearing rumors that the Romans had gathered at the border of the Byzantine Empire and northern Arabia, Muhammad led his army to engage them in battle.  However, upon reaching Tabuk the rumors proved themselves to be false.  With nothing to do, he sent a detachment to the Christians and Jews east of Tabuk with a letter.
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{{Quote||''To John ibn Rubah and the Chiefs of Aylah''.  Peace be on you!  I praise God for you, beside whom there is no Lord.  I will not fight against you until I have written thus unto you.  Believe, or else pay tribute.  And be obedient unto the Lord and his Prophet, and unto the messengers of his Prophet.  Honour them and clothe them with excellent vestments, not with inferior raiment.  Specially clothe Zeid with excellent garments.  As long as my messengers are pleased, so likewise am I.  Ye know the tribute.  If ye desire to have security by sea and by land, obey the Lord and his Apostle, and he will defend you from every demand, whether by Arab or foreigner, saving the demand of the Lord and his Apostle.  But if ye oppose and displease them, I will not accept from you a single thing, until I have fought against you and taken captive your little ones and slain the elder; for I am the Apostle of the Lord in truth.  Believe in the Lord and in his Prophets.  And believe in the Messiah son of Mary; verily he is the Word of God: I believe in him that he was a messenger of God.  Come then, before trouble reach you.  I commend my messengers to you.  Give to Harmala three measures of barley; and indeed Harmala hath interceded for you.  As for me, if it were not for the Lord and for this (intercession of Harmala), I would not have sent any message at all unto you, until ye had seen the army.  But now, if ye obey my messengers, God will be your protector, and Mahomet, and whosoever belongeth unto him.  Now my messengers are Sharahbil, &c.  Unto you is the guarantee of God and of Mahomet his Apostle, and peace be unto you if ye submit.  And convey the people of Macna back to their land.<ref>Muir, Sir William. (1878). [http://books.google.com/books?id=-jxbAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false ''The life of Mahomet'']. (p. 456). London: Smith, Elder & Co</ref>}}
{{Quote||''To John ibn Rubah and the Chiefs of Aylah''.  Peace be on you!  I praise God for you, beside whom there is no Lord.  I will not fight against you until I have written thus unto you.  Believe, or else pay tribute.  And be obedient unto the Lord and his Prophet, and unto the messengers of his Prophet.  Honour them and clothe them with excellent vestments, not with inferior raiment.  Specially clothe Zeid with excellent garments.  As long as my messengers are pleased, so likewise am I.  Ye know the tribute.  If ye desire to have security by sea and by land, obey the Lord and his Apostle, and he will defend you from every demand, whether by Arab or foreigner, saving the demand of the Lord and his Apostle.  But if ye oppose and displease them, I will not accept from you a single thing, until I have fought against you and taken captive your little ones and slain the elder; for I am the Apostle of the Lord in truth.  Believe in the Lord and in his Prophets.  And believe in the Messiah son of Mary; verily he is the Word of God: I believe in him that he was a messenger of God.  Come then, before trouble reach you.  I commend my messengers to you.  Give to Harmala three measures of barley; and indeed Harmala hath interceded for you.  As for me, if it were not for the Lord and for this (intercession of Harmala), I would not have sent any message at all unto you, until ye had seen the army.  But now, if ye obey my messengers, God will be your protector, and Mahomet, and whosoever belongeth unto him.  Now my messengers are Sharahbil, &c.  Unto you is the guarantee of God and of Mahomet his Apostle, and peace be unto you if ye submit.  And convey the people of Macna back to their land.<ref>Muir, Sir William. (1878). [http://books.google.com/books?id=-jxbAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false ''The life of Mahomet'']. (p. 456). London: Smith, Elder & Co</ref>}}


===Letter to Heraclius, the Eastern Roman Emperor in Constantinople===
====Letter to Heraclius, the Eastern Roman Emperor in Constantinople====


{{Quote||In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful (This letter is) from Muhammad, the slave of Allah, and His Apostle, to Heraculius, the Ruler of the Byzantine. Peace be upon the followers of guidance. Now then, I invite you to Islam (i.e. surrender to Allah), embrace Islam and you will be safe; embrace Islam and Allah will bestow on you a double reward. But if you reject this invitation of Islam, you shall be responsible for misguiding the peasants (i.e. your nation).<BR><BR>O people of the Scriptures! Come to a word common to you and us and you, that we worship. None but Allah, and that we associate nothing in worship with Him; and that none of us shall take others as Lords besides Allah. Then if they turn away, say: Bear witness that we are (they who have surrendered (unto Him)..(3.64)<ref>M. Muhsin Khan (Translator) - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.cmje.org/religious-texts/hadith/bukhari/052-sbt.php#004.052.191|2=2011-10-30}} Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 52, Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad), Number 191] - USC-MSA, [[Compendium of Muslim Texts]]</ref>}}
{{Quote||In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful (This letter is) from Muhammad, the slave of Allah, and His Apostle, to Heraculius, the Ruler of the Byzantine. Peace be upon the followers of guidance. Now then, I invite you to Islam (i.e. surrender to Allah), embrace Islam and you will be safe; embrace Islam and Allah will bestow on you a double reward. But if you reject this invitation of Islam, you shall be responsible for misguiding the peasants (i.e. your nation).<BR><BR>O people of the Scriptures! Come to a word common to you and us and you, that we worship. None but Allah, and that we associate nothing in worship with Him; and that none of us shall take others as Lords besides Allah. Then if they turn away, say: Bear witness that we are (they who have surrendered (unto Him)..(3.64)<ref>M. Muhsin Khan (Translator) - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.cmje.org/religious-texts/hadith/bukhari/052-sbt.php#004.052.191|2=2011-10-30}} Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 52, Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad), Number 191] - USC-MSA, [[Compendium of Muslim Texts]]</ref>}}


===Letter to Negus, King of Abyssinia===
====Letter to Negus, King of Abyssinia====


{{Quote||This letter is sent from Muhammad, the Prophet to Negus Al-Ashama, the king of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). Peace be upon him who follows true guidance and believes in Allâh and His Messenger. I bear witness that there is no god but Allâh Alone with no associate, He has taken neither a wife nor a son, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. I call you unto the fold of Islam; if you embrace Islam, you will find safety,
{{Quote||This letter is sent from Muhammad, the Prophet to Negus Al-Ashama, the king of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). Peace be upon him who follows true guidance and believes in Allâh and His Messenger. I bear witness that there is no god but Allâh Alone with no associate, He has taken neither a wife nor a son, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. I call you unto the fold of Islam; if you embrace Islam, you will find safety,
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Should you reject this invitation, then you will be held responsible for all the evils of the Christians of your people.<ref name="The sealed nectar">{{citation|title=The sealed nectar: biography of the Noble Prophet|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=r_80rJHIaOMC&pg=PA412&dq=The+letters+of+the+Prophet+Muhammad+to+the+kings+beyond+arabia&hl=en&ei=CsrTTuLOH9Co8AOOsoHiDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=The%20letters%20of%20the%20Prophet%20Muhammad%20to%20the%20kings%20beyond%20arabia&f=false | first=Saifur Rahman Al|last=Mubarakpuri|year=2005|publisher=Darussalam Publications|isbn=9960899551}}, pp. 412-426</ref>}}
Should you reject this invitation, then you will be held responsible for all the evils of the Christians of your people.<ref name="The sealed nectar">{{citation|title=The sealed nectar: biography of the Noble Prophet|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=r_80rJHIaOMC&pg=PA412&dq=The+letters+of+the+Prophet+Muhammad+to+the+kings+beyond+arabia&hl=en&ei=CsrTTuLOH9Co8AOOsoHiDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=The%20letters%20of%20the%20Prophet%20Muhammad%20to%20the%20kings%20beyond%20arabia&f=false | first=Saifur Rahman Al|last=Mubarakpuri|year=2005|publisher=Darussalam Publications|isbn=9960899551}}, pp. 412-426</ref>}}


===Letter to Muqawqas, the Vicegerent of Egypt===
====Letter to Muqawqas, the Vicegerent of Egypt====


{{Quote||In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
{{Quote||In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
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"Say (O Muhammad : ‘O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allâh, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allâh.’ Then, if they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’ " [Al-Qur'an 3:64]<ref name="The sealed nectar"></ref>}}
"Say (O Muhammad : ‘O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allâh, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allâh.’ Then, if they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’ " [Al-Qur'an 3:64]<ref name="The sealed nectar"></ref>}}


===Letter to Chosroes, Emperor of Persia===
====Letter to Chosroes, Emperor of Persia====


{{Quote||In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
{{Quote||In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
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Peace be upon him who follows true guidance, believes in Allâh and His Messenger and testifies that there is no god but Allâh Alone with no associate, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. I invite you to accept the religion of Allâh. I am the Messenger of Allâh sent to all people in order that I may infuse fear of Allâh in every living person, and that the charge may be proved against those who reject the Truth. Accept Islam as your religion so that you may live in security, otherwise, you will be responsible for all the sins of the Magians.<ref name="The sealed nectar"></ref>}}
Peace be upon him who follows true guidance, believes in Allâh and His Messenger and testifies that there is no god but Allâh Alone with no associate, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. I invite you to accept the religion of Allâh. I am the Messenger of Allâh sent to all people in order that I may infuse fear of Allâh in every living person, and that the charge may be proved against those who reject the Truth. Accept Islam as your religion so that you may live in security, otherwise, you will be responsible for all the sins of the Magians.<ref name="The sealed nectar"></ref>}}


===Letter to Haudha bin ‘Ali, Governor of Yamama===
====Letter to Haudha bin ‘Ali, Governor of Yamama====


{{Quote||In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
{{Quote||In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
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Peace be upon him who follows true guidance. Be informed that my religion shall prevail everywhere. You should accept Islam, and whatever under your command shall remain yours.<ref name="The sealed nectar"></ref>}}
Peace be upon him who follows true guidance. Be informed that my religion shall prevail everywhere. You should accept Islam, and whatever under your command shall remain yours.<ref name="The sealed nectar"></ref>}}


===Letter to to Harith bin Abi Shamir Al-Ghassani, King of Damascus===
====Letter to to Harith bin Abi Shamir Al-Ghassani, King of Damascus====


{{Quote||In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
{{Quote||In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
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Peace be upon him who follows true guidance, believes in it and regards it as true. I invite you to believe in Allâh Alone with no associate, thenceafter your kingdom will remain yours.<ref name="The sealed nectar"></ref>}}
Peace be upon him who follows true guidance, believes in it and regards it as true. I invite you to believe in Allâh Alone with no associate, thenceafter your kingdom will remain yours.<ref name="The sealed nectar"></ref>}}


===Letter to the King of ‘Oman, Jaifer, and his brother ‘Abd Al-Jalandi===
====Letter to the King of ‘Oman, Jaifer, and his brother ‘Abd Al-Jalandi====


{{Quote||In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
{{Quote||In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
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Peace be upon him who follows true guidance; thereafter I invite both of you to the Call of Islam. Embrace Islam. Allâh has sent me as a Prophet to all His creatures in order that I may instil fear of Allâh in the hearts of His disobedient creatures so that there may be left no excuse for those who deny Allâh. If you two accept Islam, you will remain in command of your country; but if you refuse my Call, you’ve got to remember that all your possessions are perishable. My horsemen will appropriate your land, and my Prophethood will assume preponderance over your kingship.<ref name="The sealed nectar"></ref>}}
Peace be upon him who follows true guidance; thereafter I invite both of you to the Call of Islam. Embrace Islam. Allâh has sent me as a Prophet to all His creatures in order that I may instil fear of Allâh in the hearts of His disobedient creatures so that there may be left no excuse for those who deny Allâh. If you two accept Islam, you will remain in command of your country; but if you refuse my Call, you’ve got to remember that all your possessions are perishable. My horsemen will appropriate your land, and my Prophethood will assume preponderance over your kingship.<ref name="The sealed nectar"></ref>}}


==Caliphs==
===Caliphs===


===Caliph Abu Bakr As-Siddiq to Khosru, the Persian Commander===
====Caliph Abu Bakr As-Siddiq to Khosru, the Persian Commander====


636 AD, at the Battle of Qadisiyya, the commander of the Muslim forces, Khalid ibn Al-Walid, sent an emissary with a message from Caliph Abu Bakr to the Persian commander, Khosru.
636 AD, at the Battle of Qadisiyya, the commander of the Muslim forces, Khalid ibn Al-Walid, sent an emissary with a message from Caliph Abu Bakr to the Persian commander, Khosru.
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{{Quote||Submit to Islam and be safe. Or agree to the payment of the Jizya, and you and your people will be under our protection, else you will have only yourself to blame for the consequences, for I bring the men who desire death as ardently as you desire life.<ref>[http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Khalid_ibn_al-Walid Tabari and History of the World], Volume IV Book XII. The Mohammedan Ascendency, page 463, by John Clark Ridpath, LL.D. 1910.</ref>}}
{{Quote||Submit to Islam and be safe. Or agree to the payment of the Jizya, and you and your people will be under our protection, else you will have only yourself to blame for the consequences, for I bring the men who desire death as ardently as you desire life.<ref>[http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Khalid_ibn_al-Walid Tabari and History of the World], Volume IV Book XII. The Mohammedan Ascendency, page 463, by John Clark Ridpath, LL.D. 1910.</ref>}}


===Yazgird III and Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khatab letters===
====Yazgird III and Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khatab letters====


Copy of communications between ''Sassanian Yazdgird'' III (632 AD - 651 AD) and ''Umar Ibn Al Khatab Khalifat Al Muslemin'', after the battle of Ghadesiyeh. The original copy of this letter from Yazdgird III is kept in the British museum of London. The date in which this letter has been written is after the battle of Ghadesiyeh.
Copy of communications between ''Sassanian Yazdgird'' III (632 AD - 651 AD) and ''Umar Ibn Al Khatab Khalifat Al Muslemin'', after the battle of Ghadesiyeh. The original copy of this letter from Yazdgird III is kept in the British museum of London. The date in which this letter has been written is after the battle of Ghadesiyeh.
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''Yazdgird III Sassanid''<ref name="Iran Heritage">[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.iran-heritage.org/interestgroups/islam-article4.htm|2=2011-10-29}} Yazgird III and Omar Al Muslemin letters] - Iran Heritage, accessed October 29, 2011</ref>}}
''Yazdgird III Sassanid''<ref name="Iran Heritage">[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.iran-heritage.org/interestgroups/islam-article4.htm|2=2011-10-29}} Yazgird III and Omar Al Muslemin letters] - Iran Heritage, accessed October 29, 2011</ref>}}


===Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khatab during the conquest of Al-Basrah===
====Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khatab during the conquest of Al-Basrah====


{{Quote||Summon the people to God; those who respond to your call, accept it from them, but those who refuse must pay the poll tax out of humiliation and lowliness. If they refuse this, it is the sword without leniency. Fear God with regard to what you have been entrusted.<ref>Al-Tabari, ''The History of al-Tabari (Ta'rikh al rusul wa'l-muluk)'', vol. 12: ''The Battle of Qadissiyah and the Conquest of Syria and Palestine,'' trans. Yohanan Friedman (Albany: State University of New York Press, 1992), p. 167.</ref>}}
{{Quote||Summon the people to God; those who respond to your call, accept it from them, but those who refuse must pay the poll tax out of humiliation and lowliness. If they refuse this, it is the sword without leniency. Fear God with regard to what you have been entrusted.<ref>Al-Tabari, ''The History of al-Tabari (Ta'rikh al rusul wa'l-muluk)'', vol. 12: ''The Battle of Qadissiyah and the Conquest of Syria and Palestine,'' trans. Yohanan Friedman (Albany: State University of New York Press, 1992), p. 167.</ref>}}


==Miscellaneous==
===Miscellaneous===


===Tariq ibn Ziyad's address to his soldiers, 711 CE===
====Tariq ibn Ziyad's address to his soldiers, 711 CE====


Tariq ibn Ziyad was a Muslim conqueror of the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain).
Tariq ibn Ziyad was a Muslim conqueror of the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain).
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"Remember that I place myself in the front of this glorious charge which I exhort you to make. At the moment when the two armies meet hand to hand, you will see me, never doubt it, seeking out this Roderick, tyrant of his people, challenging him to combat, if God is willing. If I perish after this, I will have had at least the satisfaction of delivering you, and you will easily find among you an experienced hero, to whom you can confidently give the task of directing you. But should I fall before I reach to Roderick, redouble your ardor, force yourselves to the attack and achieve the conquest of this country, in depriving him of life. With him dead, his soldiers will no longer defy you."<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/711Tarik1.html|2=2011-10-29}} Medieval Sourcebook: Al Maggari: Tarik's Address to His Soldiers, 711 CE, from The Breath of Perfumes] - Fordham University, accessed October 29, 2011</ref><ref>Charles F. Horne, ed., ''The Sacred Books and Early Literature of the Eas''t, (New York: Parke, Austin, & Lipscomb, 1917), Vol. VI: ''Medieval Arabia'', pp. 241-242.</ref>}}
"Remember that I place myself in the front of this glorious charge which I exhort you to make. At the moment when the two armies meet hand to hand, you will see me, never doubt it, seeking out this Roderick, tyrant of his people, challenging him to combat, if God is willing. If I perish after this, I will have had at least the satisfaction of delivering you, and you will easily find among you an experienced hero, to whom you can confidently give the task of directing you. But should I fall before I reach to Roderick, redouble your ardor, force yourselves to the attack and achieve the conquest of this country, in depriving him of life. With him dead, his soldiers will no longer defy you."<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/711Tarik1.html|2=2011-10-29}} Medieval Sourcebook: Al Maggari: Tarik's Address to His Soldiers, 711 CE, from The Breath of Perfumes] - Fordham University, accessed October 29, 2011</ref><ref>Charles F. Horne, ed., ''The Sacred Books and Early Literature of the Eas''t, (New York: Parke, Austin, & Lipscomb, 1917), Vol. VI: ''Medieval Arabia'', pp. 241-242.</ref>}}


===Governor al-Hajjaj to his general, Muhammad Qasim, in 712, while invading Sindh===
====Governor al-Hajjaj to his general, Muhammad Qasim, in 712, while invading Sindh====
{{Quote||I am shocked at the weakness of your policy. People will think that you are trying to bring about peace! You should inspire fear. (...) You must use all your strength, for they will put up a furious resistance for the sake of their wealth and families. Ride against them… With the help of God, we hope to make them all food for our sharp swords, take away their wealth and their families, and obtain large booty. Do not show weakness, and remember that God makes the end of the pious happy.
{{Quote||I am shocked at the weakness of your policy. People will think that you are trying to bring about peace! You should inspire fear. (...) You must use all your strength, for they will put up a furious resistance for the sake of their wealth and families. Ride against them… With the help of God, we hope to make them all food for our sharp swords, take away their wealth and their families, and obtain large booty. Do not show weakness, and remember that God makes the end of the pious happy.


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</ref>}}
</ref>}}


===Letter of the Zaporozhian Cossacks of Ukraine replying to the Sultan of Turkey===
====Letter of the Zaporozhian Cossacks of Ukraine replying to the Sultan of Turkey====


A Letter written in the 1660s in response to a letter from ''Sultan Mohammed IV'' of the Turkish Empire demanding the Cossacks of Ukraine to voluntarily accept Turkish rule.
A Letter written in the 1660s in response to a letter from ''Sultan Mohammed IV'' of the Turkish Empire demanding the Cossacks of Ukraine to voluntarily accept Turkish rule.
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''Koshoviy Otaman Ivan Sirko''  
''Koshoviy Otaman Ivan Sirko''  
''and all the Zaparozhian Cossack Brotherhood''<ref>Andrew Gregorovich - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.infoukes.com/history/cossack_letter/|2=2011-10-29}} The Cossack Letter "The Most Defiant Letter!"] - InfoUkes Inc, accessed October 29, 2011</ref>}}
''and all the Zaparozhian Cossack Brotherhood''<ref>Andrew Gregorovich - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.infoukes.com/history/cossack_letter/|2=2011-10-29}} The Cossack Letter "The Most Defiant Letter!"] - InfoUkes Inc, accessed October 29, 2011</ref>}}
==Modern==
===Muslim leaders===
===Terrorist organizations===


==See Also==
==See Also==

Revision as of 19:02, 8 May 2013

The practice of inviting non-Muslim nations to join Islam or pay the Jizyah prior to engaging in Jihad was first initiated by Prophet Muhammad. It was followed by the Rightly-Guided Caliphs and leaders of Islamic empires, codified within the Islamic Shari'ah[1] and is continued today by various Islamic leaders and terrorist organizations.

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Letter sent by Prophet Muhammad to Heraclius, emperor of Byzantium.[2]

Historical

Muhammad

Letter commanding followers to raid caravans

This is the letter that led to the murder of an Arab merchant and the revelation of Quran 2:217.

Go forward to Nakhla, in the name of the Lord, and with His blessing! Yet force not any of thy followers against his inclination! Proceed with those that accompany you willingly. And when thou hast arrived at the valley of Nakhla, there lie in wait for the caravans of the Coreish.[3]

Letter to the Christians of Aylah

After hearing rumors that the Romans had gathered at the border of the Byzantine Empire and northern Arabia, Muhammad led his army to engage them in battle. However, upon reaching Tabuk the rumors proved themselves to be false. With nothing to do, he sent a detachment to the Christians and Jews east of Tabuk with a letter.

To John ibn Rubah and the Chiefs of Aylah. Peace be on you! I praise God for you, beside whom there is no Lord. I will not fight against you until I have written thus unto you. Believe, or else pay tribute. And be obedient unto the Lord and his Prophet, and unto the messengers of his Prophet. Honour them and clothe them with excellent vestments, not with inferior raiment. Specially clothe Zeid with excellent garments. As long as my messengers are pleased, so likewise am I. Ye know the tribute. If ye desire to have security by sea and by land, obey the Lord and his Apostle, and he will defend you from every demand, whether by Arab or foreigner, saving the demand of the Lord and his Apostle. But if ye oppose and displease them, I will not accept from you a single thing, until I have fought against you and taken captive your little ones and slain the elder; for I am the Apostle of the Lord in truth. Believe in the Lord and in his Prophets. And believe in the Messiah son of Mary; verily he is the Word of God: I believe in him that he was a messenger of God. Come then, before trouble reach you. I commend my messengers to you. Give to Harmala three measures of barley; and indeed Harmala hath interceded for you. As for me, if it were not for the Lord and for this (intercession of Harmala), I would not have sent any message at all unto you, until ye had seen the army. But now, if ye obey my messengers, God will be your protector, and Mahomet, and whosoever belongeth unto him. Now my messengers are Sharahbil, &c. Unto you is the guarantee of God and of Mahomet his Apostle, and peace be unto you if ye submit. And convey the people of Macna back to their land.[4]

Letter to Heraclius, the Eastern Roman Emperor in Constantinople

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful (This letter is) from Muhammad, the slave of Allah, and His Apostle, to Heraculius, the Ruler of the Byzantine. Peace be upon the followers of guidance. Now then, I invite you to Islam (i.e. surrender to Allah), embrace Islam and you will be safe; embrace Islam and Allah will bestow on you a double reward. But if you reject this invitation of Islam, you shall be responsible for misguiding the peasants (i.e. your nation).

O people of the Scriptures! Come to a word common to you and us and you, that we worship. None but Allah, and that we associate nothing in worship with Him; and that none of us shall take others as Lords besides Allah. Then if they turn away, say: Bear witness that we are (they who have surrendered (unto Him)..(3.64)[5]

Letter to Negus, King of Abyssinia

This letter is sent from Muhammad, the Prophet to Negus Al-Ashama, the king of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). Peace be upon him who follows true guidance and believes in Allâh and His Messenger. I bear witness that there is no god but Allâh Alone with no associate, He has taken neither a wife nor a son, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. I call you unto the fold of Islam; if you embrace Islam, you will find safety,

"Say (O Muhammad ): ‘O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allâh, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allâh.’ Then, if they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’ " [The Noble Qur'an 3:64]

Should you reject this invitation, then you will be held responsible for all the evils of the Christians of your people.[6]

Letter to Muqawqas, the Vicegerent of Egypt

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad slave of Allâh and His Messenger to Muqawqas, vicegerent of Egypt.

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance. Thereafter, I invite you to accept Islam. Therefore, if you want security, accept Islam. If you accept Islam, Allâh, the Sublime, shall reward you doubly. But if you refuse to do so, you will bear the burden of the transgression of all the Copts.

"Say (O Muhammad : ‘O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allâh, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allâh.’ Then, if they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’ " [Al-Qur'an 3:64][6]

Letter to Chosroes, Emperor of Persia

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad, the Messenger of Allâh to Chosroes, king of Persia.

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance, believes in Allâh and His Messenger and testifies that there is no god but Allâh Alone with no associate, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. I invite you to accept the religion of Allâh. I am the Messenger of Allâh sent to all people in order that I may infuse fear of Allâh in every living person, and that the charge may be proved against those who reject the Truth. Accept Islam as your religion so that you may live in security, otherwise, you will be responsible for all the sins of the Magians.[6]

Letter to Haudha bin ‘Ali, Governor of Yamama

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad, Messenger of Allâh to Haudha bin ‘Ali.

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance. Be informed that my religion shall prevail everywhere. You should accept Islam, and whatever under your command shall remain yours.[6]

Letter to to Harith bin Abi Shamir Al-Ghassani, King of Damascus

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad, Messenger of Allâh to Al-Harith bin Abi Shamir.

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance, believes in it and regards it as true. I invite you to believe in Allâh Alone with no associate, thenceafter your kingdom will remain yours.[6]

Letter to the King of ‘Oman, Jaifer, and his brother ‘Abd Al-Jalandi

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

From Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah to Jaifer and ‘Abd Al-Jalandi.

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance; thereafter I invite both of you to the Call of Islam. Embrace Islam. Allâh has sent me as a Prophet to all His creatures in order that I may instil fear of Allâh in the hearts of His disobedient creatures so that there may be left no excuse for those who deny Allâh. If you two accept Islam, you will remain in command of your country; but if you refuse my Call, you’ve got to remember that all your possessions are perishable. My horsemen will appropriate your land, and my Prophethood will assume preponderance over your kingship.[6]

Caliphs

Caliph Abu Bakr As-Siddiq to Khosru, the Persian Commander

636 AD, at the Battle of Qadisiyya, the commander of the Muslim forces, Khalid ibn Al-Walid, sent an emissary with a message from Caliph Abu Bakr to the Persian commander, Khosru.

Submit to Islam and be safe. Or agree to the payment of the Jizya, and you and your people will be under our protection, else you will have only yourself to blame for the consequences, for I bring the men who desire death as ardently as you desire life.[7]

Yazgird III and Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khatab letters

Copy of communications between Sassanian Yazdgird III (632 AD - 651 AD) and Umar Ibn Al Khatab Khalifat Al Muslemin, after the battle of Ghadesiyeh. The original copy of this letter from Yazdgird III is kept in the British museum of London. The date in which this letter has been written is after the battle of Ghadesiyeh.

From: Umar Ibn Al Khatab Khalifat Al Muslemin
To: Yazdgird III Shahanshah of Persian Empire

Yazdgird, I see not a fruitful future for you and your nation unless

you accept my offer and commit Bei'at (Joining with Khalifat and bringing Islam). Once upon a time your land ruled half the known world but what has it come down to now? Your troops are defeated in all fronts and your nation is bound to collapse. I offer you a way to rescue yourself. Start praying to a mono God, a single union God, the only God who created everything in the universe.

We bring you and the world his message, he who is the true God. Stop your Fire Worship, command your nation to stop their Fire Worship which is false; join us by joining the truth. Worship Allah the only true God, The creator of universe. Worship to Allah and accept Islam as your salvation. End your Pagan ways and your false worships now and bring Islam so you can accept Allah as your savior. By doing so, you will find the only way to your survival and peace for Persians. If you know what is best for Ajam (Arabic term for Persians meaning Retarded & Weird), you will choose this path. Bei'at is the only way.


Allah O Akbar
Sign, Khalifat Al Muslemin
Omar Ibn Al Khatab[8]


From: Shahanshah of Persian Empire, Yazdgird III Sassanid
To: Umar Ibn Al Khatab, Khalifat of Tazi (Persian term for Arabs)

In the name of Ahura Mazda, creator of Life and Intelligence you in your letter wrote that you want to direct us towards your God, Allah, without having the true knowledge of who we are and what do we worship! It is amazing that you occupy the position of Khalifat (Ruler) of Arabs, yet your knowledge is the same as a lowly Arab rambler, roaming in deserts of Arabia and same as a desert tribal man (mardak) you offer me to worship a united and single God without knowing that it has been thousands of years that Persians worship the mono God and they pray to him Five Times a day! In this land of culture and art this has been the normal path of life for years. When we established the tradition of hospitality and good deeds in the world and we waved the flag of "Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds" in our hands, you and your ancestors were roaming the deserts, eating Lizards for you had nothing else to feed yourselves and burying your innocent daughters alive (an old Arab tradition because they preferred male children to female). Tazi people have no value for God's creatures! You behead God's children, even the POWs (Prisoners of War), Rape Women, bury your daughters alive, attack the Caravans, mass murder, kidnap people's wives and steal their property! Your hearts are made of stone; we condemn all these Evil which you do. How can you teach us Godly Ways when you commit these actions? You tell me to stop my Fire Worship! Us, Persians see the Love of Creator and power of inventor in the light of Sun and warmth of Fire. Lights and Warmth of the Sun and Fire makes us see the light of truth and warms our hearts to the creator and to one another. It helps us to be kind to one another; it enlightens us and makes us to keep Mazda's Flame, alive in our hearts. Our lord is Ahura Mazda and it is strange that you people also, just discovered him and named him Allah.

But we are not the same as you; we are not in the same level as you. We help other human being, we spread love among humanity, we spread Good throughout the Earth, we have been spreading our culture but in respect for other cultures throughout the whole world for thousands of years, yet you in the name of Allah invade other men's land! You mass murder the people, create famine, fear and poverty for others, you create Evil in the name of Allah. Who is responsible for this entire catastrophe? Is it Allah who commands you to murder, pillage and to destroy? Is it you the followers of Allah who do this in his name? Or is it both? You have risen from heat of the deserts and burnt out infertile lands with no resources, you want to teach people the love of God by your military campaigns and the power of your Swords! You are Desert Savages, yet you want to teach Urban people like us who lived in the cities for thousands of years, the love of God! We have thousands of years of culture behind us, a powerful tool indeed!

Tell us? With all your military campaigns, barbarianism, murder and pillage in the name of Allah, what have you taught to this Muslim Army? What knowledge have you taught the Muslim that you also insist on teaching it to non Muslim? What culture have you learned from our Allah, now that you want to force-teach it to others? Alas, ...... that today our Persian Armies of Ahura have been defeated from your recently Allah Worshiping Armies; Now, our people have to worship the same God, the same Five times a day, but forced by the sword to call him Allah and pray to him in Arabic because your Allah only understands Arabic I suggest, you and your gang of bandits pack up and move back to your deserts where they are used to live. Take them back where they used to the burning heat of the sun, tribal life, eating Lizards and drinking Camel Milk. I forbid you to let your band of thieves loose in our fertile lands, civilized cities and our glorious nation. Don't turn these "beasts with hearts of stone" loose, to mass murder our people, kidnap our women and children, rape our wives and send our daughters to Mecca as slaves! Don't let them do these crimes in the name of Allah put a stop to your criminal behavior. Aryans are forgiving, warm, hospitable, and decent people and everywhere they went, they have spread seeds of friendship, love, knowledge and truth; therefore, they shall not punish you and your people for your pirate ways and criminal acts. I beg you to remain with your Allah in your deserts and do not move close to our civilized cities, for your believers are "Much Fearful" and your behavior is "Most Barbaric."


Sign,

Yazdgird III Sassanid[8]

Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khatab during the conquest of Al-Basrah

Summon the people to God; those who respond to your call, accept it from them, but those who refuse must pay the poll tax out of humiliation and lowliness. If they refuse this, it is the sword without leniency. Fear God with regard to what you have been entrusted.[9]

Miscellaneous

Tariq ibn Ziyad's address to his soldiers, 711 CE

Tariq ibn Ziyad was a Muslim conqueror of the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain).

"Oh my warriors, whither would you flee? Behind you is the sea, before you, the enemy. You have left now only the hope of your courage and your constancy. Remember that in this country you are more unfortunate than the orphan seated at the table of the avaricious master. Your enemy is before you, protected by an innumerable army; he has men in abundance, but you, as your only aid, have your own swords, and, as your only chance for life, such chance as you can snatch from the hands of your enemy. If the absolute want to which you are reduced is prolonged ever so little, if you delay to seize immediate success, your good fortune will vanish, and your enemies, whom your very presence has filled with fear, will take courage. Put far from you the disgrace from which you flee in dreams, and attack this monarch who has left his strongly fortified city to meet you. Here is a splendid opportunity to defeat him, if you will consent to expose yourselves freely to death. Do not believe that I desire to incite you to face dangers which I shall refuse to share with you. In the attack I myself will be in the fore, where the chance of life is always least.

"Remember that if you suffer a few moments in patience, you will afterward enjoy supreme delight. Do not imagine that your fate can be separated from mine, and rest assured that if you fall, I shall perish with you, or avenge you. You have heard that in this country there are a large number of ravishingly beautiful Greek maidens, their graceful forms are draped in sumptuous gowns on which gleam pearls, coral, and purest gold, and they live in the palaces of royal kings. The Commander of True Believers, Alwalid, son of Abdalmelik, has chosen you for this attack from among all his Arab warriors; and he promises that you shall become his comrades and shall hold the rank of kings in this country. Such is his confidence in your intrepidity. The one fruit which he desires to obtain from your bravery is that the word of God shall be exalted in this country, and that the true religion shall be established here. The spoils will belong to yourselves.

"Remember that I place myself in the front of this glorious charge which I exhort you to make. At the moment when the two armies meet hand to hand, you will see me, never doubt it, seeking out this Roderick, tyrant of his people, challenging him to combat, if God is willing. If I perish after this, I will have had at least the satisfaction of delivering you, and you will easily find among you an experienced hero, to whom you can confidently give the task of directing you. But should I fall before I reach to Roderick, redouble your ardor, force yourselves to the attack and achieve the conquest of this country, in depriving him of life. With him dead, his soldiers will no longer defy you."[10][11]

Governor al-Hajjaj to his general, Muhammad Qasim, in 712, while invading Sindh

I am shocked at the weakness of your policy. People will think that you are trying to bring about peace! You should inspire fear. (...) You must use all your strength, for they will put up a furious resistance for the sake of their wealth and families. Ride against them… With the help of God, we hope to make them all food for our sharp swords, take away their wealth and their families, and obtain large booty. Do not show weakness, and remember that God makes the end of the pious happy. It appears from your letter that all the rules made by you for the comfort and convenience of your men are strictly in accordance with religious law. But the way of granting pardon prescribed by the law is different from the one adopted by you, for you go on giving partdon to everybody, high or low, without any discretion and without any distinction between a friend of foe. The great God says in the Qur'an (47.4): O true believers, when you encounter the disbelievers, strike off their heads. The above command of the Great God is a great command and must be respected and followed. You should not be so fond of showing mercy, as to nullify the virtue of the act. Henceforth grant pardon to no one of the enemy and spare none of them, or else all will consider you a weak-minded man.[12]

Letter of the Zaporozhian Cossacks of Ukraine replying to the Sultan of Turkey

A Letter written in the 1660s in response to a letter from Sultan Mohammed IV of the Turkish Empire demanding the Cossacks of Ukraine to voluntarily accept Turkish rule.

Thou Turkish Devil!

Brother and companion to the accursed Devil, and Secretary to Lucifer himself, Greetings!

What the hell kind of noble knight art thou? Satan voids and thy army devours. Never wilt thou be fit to have the sons of Christ under thee. Thy army we fear not, and by land and by sea in our chaikas we will do battle against thee.

Thou scullion of Babylon, thou beer-brewer of Jerusalem, thou goat-thief of Alexandria, thou swineherd of Egypt (both the Greater and the Lesser), thou Armenian pig and Tartar goat. Thou hangman of Kamyanets, thou evildoer of Podolia, thou great silly oaf of all the world and of the netherworld and, before our God, a blockhead, a swine's snout, a mare's ass, and clown of Hades. May the devil take thee!

That is what the Cossacks have to say to thee, thou basest born of runts! Unfit art thou to lord it over true Christians!

The date we know not, for no calender have we got. The moon (month) is in the sky, the year is in a book, and the day is the same with us here as with ye over there - and thou can kiss us thou knowest where!


Koshoviy Otaman Ivan Sirko

and all the Zaparozhian Cossack Brotherhood[13]

Modern

Muslim leaders

Terrorist organizations

See Also

Translations

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External Links

References

  1. ↑ Ahmad Ibn Lulu Ibn Al-Naqib, translated by Noah Ha Mim Keller - Reliance of the Traveller: The Classic Manual of Islamic Sacred Law Umdat Al-Salik (o9.0-8) - Published by Amana Corporation; Revised edition (July 1, 1997), ISBN-13: 978-0915957729
  2. ↑ Khan, Dr. Majid Ali (1998). Muhammad The Final Messenger. Islamic Book Service, New Delhi, 110002 (India). ISBN 81-85738-25-4
  3. ↑ Muir, Sir William. (1878). The life of Mahomet. (p. 217). London: Smith, Elder & Co.
  4. ↑ Muir, Sir William. (1878). The life of Mahomet. (p. 456). London: Smith, Elder & Co
  5. ↑ M. Muhsin Khan (Translator) - Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 52, Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad), Number 191 - USC-MSA, Compendium of Muslim Texts
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Mubarakpuri, Saifur Rahman Al, The sealed nectar: biography of the Noble Prophet, Darussalam Publications, ISBN 9960899551, 2005, http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=r_80rJHIaOMC&pg=PA412&dq=The+letters+of+the+Prophet+Muhammad+to+the+kings+beyond+arabia&hl=en&ei=CsrTTuLOH9Co8AOOsoHiDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=The%20letters%20of%20the%20Prophet%20Muhammad%20to%20the%20kings%20beyond%20arabia&f=false , pp. 412-426
  7. ↑ Tabari and History of the World, Volume IV Book XII. The Mohammedan Ascendency, page 463, by John Clark Ridpath, LL.D. 1910.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Yazgird III and Omar Al Muslemin letters - Iran Heritage, accessed October 29, 2011
  9. ↑ Al-Tabari, The History of al-Tabari (Ta'rikh al rusul wa'l-muluk), vol. 12: The Battle of Qadissiyah and the Conquest of Syria and Palestine, trans. Yohanan Friedman (Albany: State University of New York Press, 1992), p. 167.
  10. ↑ Medieval Sourcebook: Al Maggari: Tarik's Address to His Soldiers, 711 CE, from The Breath of Perfumes - Fordham University, accessed October 29, 2011
  11. ↑ Charles F. Horne, ed., The Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East, (New York: Parke, Austin, & Lipscomb, 1917), Vol. VI: Medieval Arabia, pp. 241-242.
  12. ↑ Trifkovic, Serge. The Sword of the Prophet: History, Theology, Impact on the World. Regina Orthodox Press, September 11, 2002. 
  13. ↑ Andrew Gregorovich - The Cossack Letter "The Most Defiant Letter!" - InfoUkes Inc, accessed October 29, 2011
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