Friction between the Caesar and Chosroes and a Magnificent Prophecy of the Holy Prophet(sa)

However, prior to mentioning this letter, it is necessary to write a relevant note on the sovereignties of Caesar and Chosroes. As it has been mentioned in Sīrat Khātaman-Nabiyyin, volume 1 and volume 2, in the era of the Holy Prophet(sa), to the North West and North East, there were two magnificent sovereignties. The first was the Kingdom of Rome, whose king was known as Caesar; the second was that of Persia, i.e. the Sassanid empire of Iran, whose king was known as Chosroes. This is the same Kingdom of Rome, which in history, is referred to as the Roman Kingdom of the East, or in other words, the Byzantine Empire, which is referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire in English. After the decline of the Western Roman Empire, the Eastern Roman Empire, the capital of which was Constantinople, gained strength and in the era we are mentioning now, the Eastern Roman Empire and Iranian Empire of the Chosroes were the two largest and most powerful empires of the time. A fierce rivalry constantly prevailed between these two empires, because in addition to their political jealousy, the two were at odds in their religion and civilization as well. The Roman Empire followed the religion of Christianity whereas the Sassanid Empire of Persia were fire-worshippers and polytheists. As mentioned in volume 1 and volume 2 of this book1, in this era, these two sovereignties were at war. Moreover, defeating the Caesar again and again, the Chosroes of Persia had snatched much of his land. Since the people of Makkah were also polytheists and idol-worshippers for this reason they were naturally more sympathetic towards the Iranians. It was at this time when the Holy Prophet(sa) received revelation from Allāh the Almighty and made that prophecy which has been mentioned in Sūrah Rūm of the Holy Qur’ān. The words are as follows:

The Romans have been defeated in the nearby land. After their defeat, they shall soon be victorious. This revolution would come about in nine years.2 Before and after that, true sovereignty belongs to God. (In other words, prior to it, the spiritual Kingdom belongs to God and afterwards, the worldly government shall also be for Allāh, through the dominance of Islām.) And on that day the believers will rejoice because of the help of Allāh. He helps whom He pleases; for He is the Mighty and Merciful. This is the definite promise of God. God breaks not His promise, but most men know not.”3

This Qur’ānic verse was revealed to the Holy Prophet(sa) when he was still in Makkah and the flood of the Chosroes’ victories were at full force. This was to such an extent that seizing a large region of Caesar and plundering Syria, Egypt and Asia Minor, he was knocking on the gates of Constantinople, the capital of the Caesar. However, according to this Qur’ānic prophecy, the war suddenly took a turn and after the effort and striving of a few years not only did the legions of Caesar regain all their lost land, but they also penetrated the territory of the Chosroes by invasion. This was that magnificent prophecy the truth of which even non-Muslim historians have been compelled to admit. Therefore, with regards to these accounts, Sir William Muir writes:

“From a period as far back as the assumption by Mohammad of the prophetic office, the Roman and Persian kingdoms had been waging with each other a ceaseless deadly warfare. Until the year A.D. 621 unvarying success attended the Persian arms. Syria, Egypt, and Asia Minor were overrun. Constantinpole itself was threatened. At last, Heraclius awoke from his inglorious lethargy; and, about the time of Mohammad’s flight from Makkah, was driving his invaders from fastness in Asia Minor. In the second campaign he carried the war into the heart of Persia.”4

“In this struggle, the sympathies and hopes of Mohammad were on the Kaiser’s side. Christianity was a divine faith which might coalesce with Islām; but the fire-worship and superstitions of Persia were repugnant to his views. It was while the career of Persian conquest was yet unchecked, that Mohammad, in the 30th Sura, uttered this sagacious augury:-

THE GREEKS have been smitten
In the neighbouring coasts;
But, after their defeat, they shall again be victorious;
In a few years. TO GOD belongeth the matter from before, and after;
and, in that day, the Believers shall rejoice
In the aid of GOD.
He aideth whom he chooseth; the GLORIOUS, the MERCIFUL
It is the promise of GOD, who changeth not His promise;
but the greater part of mankind know it not.
And the prophecy, as we have seen, was justified by the event.”5

The era of these extraordinary victories of Caesar began with the incident of the migration of the Holy Prophet(sa). The Muslims were informed of the first victory of Caesar, when they returned to Madīnah after securing a clear triumph over the Quraish of Makkah in the field of Badr.6 Caesar secured its final and decisive victory against the Chosroes close to the era of the Treaty of Ḥudaibiyyah.7

In his joy and gratitude of this remarkable triumph, Caesar travelled from Ḥimṣ8 to Īlyā (i.e., Jerusalem) by foot.9 In actuality, this journey of Caesar was in fulfillment of a vow, which he had taken in the case of his victory. Therefore, he travelled from Edessa10 to Jerusalem by foot, where the ‘True Cross’ of the Messiah of Nazereth was recovered from the Persians and restored to its place once again.11 This journey was undertaken with such pomp that a carpet, and on top of the carpet, a bedding of flowers was laid down wherever the Caesar would proceed.