Diplomatic career of Muhammad

The result was the eventual formation of a united community in Medina, as well as the political supremacy of Muhammad,[2][3] along with the beginning of a ten-year long diplomatic career.

Although Muhammad himself was safe from persecution due to protection from his uncle, Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib, a leader of the Banu Hashim, one of the main clans that formed the Quraysh), some of his followers were not in such a position.

[10] Emigration was a means through which some of the Muslims could escape the difficulties and persecution faced at the hands of the Quraysh[2] and it also opened up new trading prospects.

[12] Having established friendly relations with the Negus, it became possible for Muhammad to send another group of migrants, such that the number of Muslims living in Abyssinia totalled around one hundred.

[10] In early June 619, Muhammad set out from Mecca to travel to Ta'if in order to convene with its chieftains, and mainly those of Banu Thaqif (such as 'Abd-Ya-Layl ibn 'Amr).

Muhammad is said to have rejected the proposition, saying that he would pray in the hopes of succeeding generations of Ta'if coming to accept Islamic monotheism.

[19] Following the pledge, Muhammad decided to dispatch a Muslim ambassador to Medina and he chose Mus'ab ibn 'Umair for the position, in order to teach people about Islam and invite them to the religion.

[20] With the slow but steady conversion of persons from both the Aws and Khazraj present in Medina, 75 Medinan Muslims came as pilgrims to Mecca and secretly convened with Muhammad in June 621, meeting him at night.

[21] Some western academics are noted to have questioned whether or not a second pledge had taken place, although William M. Watt argues that there must have been several meetings between the pilgrims and Muhammad on which the basis of his move to Medina could be agreed upon.

The oppressive policy of the Khazraj who at the time had assumed control over Medina, forced the Jewish tribes, Nadir and Qurayza, into an alliance with the Aws, who had been significantly weakened.

Muhammad had been invited by some Medinans, who had been impressed by his religious preaching and manifest trustworthiness, as an arbitrator to help reduce the prevailing factional discord.

[24] Muhammad's task would thus be to form a united community out of these heterogeneous elements, not only as a religious preacher, but as a political and diplomatic leader who could help resolve the ongoing disputes.

[26] Bernard Lewis writes the community at Medina became a new kind of tribe with Muhammad as its sheikh, while at the same time having a religious character.

[29] The constitution, although recently signed, was soon to be rendered obsolete due to the rapidly changing conditions in Medina,[2] and with the exile of two of the Jewish tribes and the execution of the third after having been accused of breaching the terms of agreement.

The signing of the constitution could be seen as indicating the formation of a united community, in many ways, similar to a federation of nomadic clans and tribes, as the signatories were bound together by solemn agreement.

[30] The signing of the constitution itself displayed a degree of diplomacy on part of Muhammad, as although he envisioned a society eventually based upon a religious outlook, practical consideration was needed to be inclusive instead of exclusive of the varying social elements.

[24] In March 628, Muhammad saw himself in a dream performing the Umrah (lesser pilgrimage),[34] and so prepared to travel with his followers to Mecca in the hopes of fulfilling this vision.

During the negotiations, Uthman ibn Affan was chosen as an envoy to convene with the leaders in Mecca, on account of his high regard amongst the Quraysh.

[36] The incident was mentioned in the Qur'an in Surah 48:[36] Allah's Good Pleasure was on the Believers when they swore Fealty to thee under the Tree: He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down Tranquillity to them; and He rewarded them with a speedy Victory;Soon afterwards, with the rumour of Uthman's slaying proven untrue, negotiations continued and a treaty was eventually signed between the Muslims and Quraysh.

[40] Pressed by their enemies, the tribesmen of Khuza‘ah sought the Holy Sanctuary, but here too, their lives were not spared, and Nawfal, the chief of Banu Bakr, chasing them in the sanctified area, massacred his adversaries.

There are instances according to Islamic tradition where Muhammad is thought to have sent letters to other heads of state during the Medinan phase of his life.

[41] According to Martin Forward, academics have treated some reports with skepticism, although he argues that it is likely that Muhammad had assumed correspondence with leaders within the Arabian Peninsula.

Asked by Heraclius about the man claiming to be a prophet, Abu Sufyan responded, speaking favorably of Muhammad's character and lineage and outlining some directives of Islam.

[44][51][52] Later reportedly he wrote to a certain religious official in Rome to confirm if Muhammad's claim of prophethood was legitimate, only to receive a letter with a dismisive rejection from the council.

Dissatisfied with the response, Heraclius then called upon the Roman assembly saying, "If you desire salvation and the orthodox way so that your empire remain firmly established, then follow this prophet".

But if you refuse, then verily will the guilt [of delusion] of the Zoroastrians ("Magians") be upon you.Seal: Muhammad, Apostle of GodAccording to Muslim tradition, the letter was sent through Abdullah as-Sahmi[a][47] who, through the governor of Bahrain, delivered it to the Khosrau.

[63] Upon reading it Khosrow II reportedly tore up the document,[64] saying, "A pitiful slave among my subjects dares to write his name before mine"[50] and commanded Badhan, his vassal ruler of Yemen, to dispatch two valiant men to identify, seize and bring this man from Hejaz (Muhammad) to him.

They were one of the five tribal contingents that settled in the newly founded garrison city of Basra at the head of the Persian Gulf; under their general al-Muhallab ibn Abu Sufrah; they also took part in the conquest of Khurasan and Transoxania.

Submit (i.e., embrace Islam) and be safe I, in fact, am the apostle of God to mankind in its entirety, "that he may warn whoever is alive Then indeed you two: if you consent unto Submission to Allah, I shall patronize you.

But if you refuse, then [know that] indeed your reign is fleeting, and my horsemen shall invade into your courtyard, and my prophethood shall become dominate your kingdom.Seal: Muhammad, Apostle of God[citation needed]