" When Allah inflicted defeat on the armies of Persia, Caesar moved from Hims to Aelia (Bait al-Maqdis) for thanking Allah as He granted him victory." In this hadith these words occur:" From Muhammad, servant of Allah and His Messenger," and said:" The sin of your followers," and also said the words:" to the call of Islam".
Historical Context & Background
This narration from Sahih Muslim 1773b describes the aftermath of the Byzantine victory over the Sassanid Persian Empire, which occurred shortly before the advent of Islam. Caesar (Heraclius) moved his capital from Hims to Jerusalem (Aelia/Bait al-Maqdis) in gratitude to Allah for this victory, recognizing it as divine assistance.
Analysis of Key Phrases
"From Muhammad, servant of Allah and His Messenger" - This opening demonstrates the Prophet's humility, placing servitude to Allah before messengership, following the Quranic precedent where Allah describes His Prophet as "His servant" (17:1).
"The sin of your followers" - This refers to the Christians who associated partners with Allah by claiming Jesus as God's son. The Prophet's letter called them to abandon this shirk and embrace pure tawhid.
"To the call of Islam" - This indicates the universal nature of the Islamic message, inviting all people regardless of previous affiliation to submit to the one true God through the final revelation.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Nawawi explains that this hadith contains multiple important lessons: the permissibility of writing to non-Muslim rulers inviting them to Islam, the proper etiquette of da'wah, and recognizing signs of Allah's power in historical events.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that Heraclius' movement to Jerusalem shows how even non-Muslim rulers may acknowledge Allah's favor, yet fail to embrace true faith due to worldly attachments and fear of losing their authority.
Legal & Theological Implications
This narration establishes the sunnah of corresponding with non-Muslim leaders for the purpose of da'wah, using respectful yet clear language that distinguishes between truth and falsehood.
The text demonstrates the Islamic position on Christianity - acknowledging their partial recognition of divine truth while clearly identifying their theological errors that constitute shirk.