Table of Contents
Introduction
This is the eighth article in the series, “In the Brightened Corridors of the Prophet’s Life Story“, which highlights an important aspect of Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace be upon Him) remarkable competence: His selection of ambassadors.
Among the many signs of His exceptional political, administrative, and leadership skills was His ability to identify the most suitable individuals for the vital role of ambassadorship. Those He selected were distinguished by their intellect, wisdom, and diplomatic skills, as well as their physical grace and charm. Click here to explore the entire series, ALLAH willing.
The Prophet’s (PBUH) Ambassadors: A Testament to His Leadership and Vision
In this series, we aimed to illuminate meanings and insights often overlooked or dispersed across the books of the Prophetic biography and Sunnah. By bringing these aspects to light, we hope to learn from them and apply their lessons to our contemporary lives.
As a leader and head of state, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) needed to appoint ambassadors, a necessity of His mission that further underscores His exceptional administrative abilities. This theme was introduced in the first article of the series. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) stands as an unparalleled figure in human history, often recognized as the most successful leader of all time.
Michael Hart, in his book The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, noted that the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) is the only man to have achieved absolute success in both religious and worldly realms. While other historical figures either built states without founding religions or created religions without governing states, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) uniquely accomplished both.
One of the most evident signs of His administrative brilliance was His ability to identify and utilize talent effectively, including His thoughtful selection of ambassadors. This topic has been thoroughly analyzed by General Mahmoud Shit Khattab, an Islamic military historian, in his two-volume work on the Prophet’s (Peace be upon Him) ambassadors, where he explored their lives, missions, and accomplishments. Another notable work, The Ambassadors and Letters of the Prophet by Mohammed Al-Wakeel, also examines this subject in detail.
In this article, we will focus on three of the Prophet’s (Peace be upon Him) ambassadors, with a particular emphasis on the striking observation that their physical beauty was a significant factor in their selection—an attribute that carried diplomatic importance.
Mus‘ab bin ‘Umair: The First Ambassador of Islam and a Model of Sacrifice
Mus‘ab bin ‘Umair, the first ambassador chosen by the Prophet (Peace be upon Him), was renowned for his exceptional elegance and charm. Before embracing Islam, he was regarded as the most refined and handsome young man in Quraysh. His life was one of luxury, pampered by his mother and surrounded by wealth. Mus‘ab’s presence was unmistakable, not only because of his striking appearance but also due to the distinct fragrance he wore, which announced his arrival and lingered long after he had gone.
The Prophet (Peace be upon Him) appointed Mus‘ab as the first ambassador to Medinah following the First Pledge of ‘Aqabah. He was entrusted with two vital missions:
- Teaching the newly converted Muslims in Medinah the principles of Islam.
- Observing Medinah’s social dynamics and inviting others to Islam.
Mus‘ab’s efforts bore remarkable results. His dedication led to the conversion of Sa‘d bin Mu‘adh, a prominent leader in Medinah, whose acceptance of Islam was followed by the conversion of his entire tribe, the Aws. Mus‘ab carried out his responsibilities with unmatched diligence and sincerity.
Tragically, Mus‘ab was martyred during the Battle of Uhud. His death was deeply poignant, as he left behind no worldly possessions. When it came time to shroud his body, only a single piece of cloth was available. If it covered his head, his feet remained exposed, and if it covered his feet, his head was uncovered. The Prophet (Peace be upon Him) stood by his grave and wept, reflecting on Mus‘ab’s earlier life of luxury and the immense sacrifices he made for the sake of Islam.
Dihyah Al-Kalbi: The Handsome Envoy to Heraclius
Dihyah Al-Kalbi was another outstanding ambassador chosen by the Prophet (Peace be upon Him), renowned for his extraordinary beauty. He was entrusted with the important task of delivering the Prophet’s (Peace be upon Him) letter to Heraclius, the Byzantine Emperor. Historical accounts consistently emphasize Dihyah’s remarkable handsomeness, with some narrations even mentioning that Angel Jibril (Gabriel) would take on Dihyah’s form when appearing in human likeness.
Dihyah’s beauty was so notable that certain accounts, though possibly exaggerated, claim he would cover his face to prevent women from being overwhelmed by his appearance. While these reports may lack authenticity, they reflect the impression his physical attributes left on those who encountered him. Combined with his wisdom and diplomatic skills, Dihyah’s charm made him an ideal envoy for such a significant mission to Heraclius.
Upon receiving the Prophet’s (Peace be upon Him) letter, Heraclius sought to verify its authenticity. Abu Sufyan, who happened to be in Syria at the time, was questioned about the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) and confirmed the integrity of His message. While Heraclius acknowledged that Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) was indeed the awaited Prophet, he ultimately chose not to embrace Islam, fearing the loss of his power and influence over his people.
‘Urwah bin Mas‘ud Ath-Thaqafi: A Tragic Ambassador of Faith
‘Urwah bin Mas‘ud Ath-Thaqafi initially served as a representative of Quraysh during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Later, he embraced Islam and became one of the Prophet’s (Peace be upon Him) trusted ambassadors. The Prophet (Peace be upon Him) sent him as an envoy to his own tribe, Thaqif, in Ta’if.
‘Urwah was renowned for his striking appearance, so much so that the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) likened his beauty to that of Prophet Jesus (Isa). Despite his eloquence, charm, and sincere efforts to convey the message of Islam, his tribe rejected him. Tragically, they responded to his call with hostility, ultimately killing him.
Conclusion: A Testament to Leadership
Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace be upon Him) selection of ambassadors demonstrates His exceptional administrative acumen and deep understanding of human nature. By appointing individuals who combined intellect, charisma, and remarkable physical presence, he ensured their effectiveness in representing Islam and its values. These thoughtful choices stand as a testament to His unmatched leadership and continue to inspire principles of governance and diplomacy in modern times.
We ask ALLAH, the Blessed and Exalted, to teach us what benefits us, to benefit us with what HE has taught us, and to increase us in knowledge.
Sources:
- Mohamed Elhamy. محمد إلهامي | في أروقة السيرة | 8. جمال سفراء النبي ﷺ. YouTube Video.
