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English_Biography_of_the_Prophet, page : 16
@HERACLIUS ORDERS THE LETTER TO BE READ TO HIS GENERALS AND THE PATRIARCHS OF THE CHURCH
From the safety of his upper gallery, Heraclius gave instructions for Prophet Muhammad’s letter to be read out aloud to the patriarchs of the church and his generals assembled in the courtyard below. There was an immediate outcry from the floor as they all rushed towards the gates of the fortress to get out. However, Heraclius had anticipated the possibility of a negative response and had previously given the order that all the gates of the fortress be locked, so when the angry generals and patriarchs tried to leave they could not. Heraclius, having rightly assessed their opposition to the Prophet, (salla Allahu alihi was sallam), now called them back and convinced them saying, "What I just said to you was said to test your conviction, and I have seen it." The assembly was overcome with relief and expressed themselves vigorously, shouting out Heraclius’ praise that rang throughout the fortress – they had accepted Heraclius statement, their fear allayed and calm was restored. Thereafter, Abu Sufyan and his companions were hastily escorted out of the fortress.
As soon as they were able to pull themselves together Abu Sufyan told his companions, "Muhammad has become so prominent that even the king of the light-skinned Byzantine people is afraid of him!" and Abu Sufyan knew in his heart it would not be long until the Prophet, (salla Allahu alihi was sallam), would be widely accepted and believed.
Abu Sufyan was a proud man and his reputation mattered greatly to him. He was heard to say in the years to come, "By Allah, if it were not for the fact that I would have been ashamed that my companions would label me as a liar, I would not have told the truth."
From the safety of his upper gallery, Heraclius gave instructions for Prophet Muhammad’s letter to be read out aloud to the patriarchs of the church and his generals assembled in the courtyard below. There was an immediate outcry from the floor as they all rushed towards the gates of the fortress to get out. However, Heraclius had anticipated the possibility of a negative response and had previously given the order that all the gates of the fortress be locked, so when the angry generals and patriarchs tried to leave they could not. Heraclius, having rightly assessed their opposition to the Prophet, (salla Allahu alihi was sallam), now called them back and convinced them saying, "What I just said to you was said to test your conviction, and I have seen it." The assembly was overcome with relief and expressed themselves vigorously, shouting out Heraclius’ praise that rang throughout the fortress – they had accepted Heraclius statement, their fear allayed and calm was restored. Thereafter, Abu Sufyan and his companions were hastily escorted out of the fortress.
As soon as they were able to pull themselves together Abu Sufyan told his companions, "Muhammad has become so prominent that even the king of the light-skinned Byzantine people is afraid of him!" and Abu Sufyan knew in his heart it would not be long until the Prophet, (salla Allahu alihi was sallam), would be widely accepted and believed.
Abu Sufyan was a proud man and his reputation mattered greatly to him. He was heard to say in the years to come, "By Allah, if it were not for the fact that I would have been ashamed that my companions would label me as a liar, I would not have told the truth."