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AbuSufyanAndHeracliusEmperorofRome, page : 5
Then, addressing Abu Sufyan's companions Heraclius said "If he says something
that is not true, you must speak up."
Now honor and respect were essential characteristics of Arab chieftains, to loose
either in front of his companions would be unthinkable. Abu Sufyan was heard to
say in later years "By Allah, had I not been afraid that my companions would
label me as a liar, I would not have spoken the truth about the Prophet, praise
and peace be upon him."
Heraclius began, "What is the status of his family?" Abu Sufyan replied, "He
belongs to one of our good and noble families." Has anyone else amongst you
ever claimed what he claims before you?" asked Heraclius. "No" replied Abu
Sufyan. "Tell me, was anyone amongst his ancestors a king?" inquired Heraclius.
Abu Sufyan answered "No. "Is it the nobility or the poor who follow him?"
continued Heraclius. Abu Sufyan replied "It is the poor who follow him." "Tell me"
asked Heraclius, "are his followers increasing or decreasing". Abu Sufyan replied
"They are increasing." Next, Heraclius asked "Has anyone amongst those who
embrace his religion ever become displeased and renounced the religion
that is not true, you must speak up."
Now honor and respect were essential characteristics of Arab chieftains, to loose
either in front of his companions would be unthinkable. Abu Sufyan was heard to
say in later years "By Allah, had I not been afraid that my companions would
label me as a liar, I would not have spoken the truth about the Prophet, praise
and peace be upon him."
Heraclius began, "What is the status of his family?" Abu Sufyan replied, "He
belongs to one of our good and noble families." Has anyone else amongst you
ever claimed what he claims before you?" asked Heraclius. "No" replied Abu
Sufyan. "Tell me, was anyone amongst his ancestors a king?" inquired Heraclius.
Abu Sufyan answered "No. "Is it the nobility or the poor who follow him?"
continued Heraclius. Abu Sufyan replied "It is the poor who follow him." "Tell me"
asked Heraclius, "are his followers increasing or decreasing". Abu Sufyan replied
"They are increasing." Next, Heraclius asked "Has anyone amongst those who
embrace his religion ever become displeased and renounced the religion