He said, “Beware, ʿAmr, of what you say; nothing disgraces a man more than a lie.” I replied, “I have not lied, and lying is forbidden in our religion.”

Then he continued, “I do not think that Heraclius knows the Negus has become Muslim.” I said, “Indeed he does.” He asked, “How do you know that?” I answered, “The Negus used to remit a fixed tribute to him, but when he embraced Islam and affirmed Muhammad he declared, ‘By God, were he to ask me for a single dirham I would not give it.’ When this statement reached Heraclius, his brother Niyāq (1) said to him, ‘Will you leave your vassal withholding the tribute that is due to you while he follows a new religion?’ Heraclius replied, ‘He is a man who has chosen a faith for himself; what business is that of mine? By God, were it not for my attachment (2) to my realm, I would do what he has done.’

He said, “Consider carefully what you are telling me, ʿAmr.” I answered, “By God, I have told you the truth.”

ʿAbd (3) then said, “Inform me: what does he command and what does he forbid?” I replied, “He commands obedience to Allah and forbids disobedience to Him. He enjoins righteousness and maintaining family ties, and he forbids injustice and aggression, fornication, the drinking of wine, and the worship of stone idols, fetishes, or the cross.”

He exclaimed, “How excellent is this call! If my brother would follow me, we would mount at once to believe in Muhammad and affirm him, but my brother is too attached to his kingdom to relinquish it (4) and adopt a religion (5).”

I said, “If he were to accept Islam, the Messenger of Allah would confirm him in authority over his people; he would collect the charity from