Ancient Academy SBD

Abstract

This study examines the qualifications and scope of duties of the envoys appointed by the Prophet Muhammad to invite people to Islam. In the scholarly literature, there exists a definition of diplomacy regarding Islamic missionary process, particularly through the role of envoys. However, an analysis of the concepts and appointments of envoys in primary sources reveals that the envoys in relation undertook a series of responsibilities embarking from call to Islam. The envoys dispatched to the tribes of the Arabian Peninsula as well as to major empires and their vassals were entrusted with multiple duties, the foremost of which was the invitation (da‘wa). Subsequently, these envoys were also tasked with religious instruction, leading prayers, collecting zakāt and jizya, and administrative governance. This multifaceted role necessitated that the envoys be highly competent. While individual talent, versatility, and familiarity with diverse cultures were essential, religious knowledge and expertise were equally indispensable. Thus, interpreting these missions solely through the lens of diplomacy may not be entirely accurate. To accurately define and assess emissary missions dating back to the early Islamic epoch, it is imperative to employ historical research methodology, examining narrations (riwāyāt) within their holistic context without detachment, inter alia conducting comparative analysis. Such an approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of Islamic historical sources and prevents anachronistic interpretations of historical data. This article analytically enunciates, within the integrity of narrations, that the Prophet’s envoys used to bear multifaceted features and that their missions constituted a multi-objective series of tasks commencing with the call to Islam.