his chamberlain, Babawayh—others say it was Fayruz al-Daylami, who was an accountant and scribe. Badhan sent another Persian with him and entrusted the two of them with a letter to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, ordering him to accompany them to Chosroes.

He said to Babawayh, “Woe to you! Find out what this man is about, speak with him, and bring me word of him.”

So the pair set out. When they reached al-Ta’if they asked about the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. They were told, “He is in Medina,” whereupon the unbelievers rejoiced, saying, “Chosroes has already taken measures against him—you are spared the trouble of dealing with the man.”

The envoys continued on until they arrived in Medina and appeared before the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. Babawayh addressed him:

“The Shahanshah, the King of Kings, Chosroes, has written to King Badhan ordering him to dispatch someone who will bring you to him. Badhan has therefore sent me. Come with me; if you comply, he will write a letter on your behalf to the King of Kings that will benefit you and restrain him from harming you. But if you refuse—well, you know the kind of man he is—he will destroy you, your people, and your land.”

The two men had entered upon the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, with their beards shaven and their mustaches left long, and the Prophet found their appearance repugnant. He said to them:

“Woe to you both! Who ordered you to do that?”

They replied, “Our lord—that is, Chosroes—commanded us.”

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, then said to them