Shortly before the Battle of Al-Qadisiyyah, Saad ibn Abi Waqqas, the Muslim commander, sent another messenger to Rustum, the commander of the Persian Army that heavily outnumbered the Muslims. He sent Al-Mugheerah ibn Shubah first who explained the main principles of the Islamic faith. He then sent Ribiyy ibn Amir, who was also one of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) companions. Ribiyy’s mission had much to do with appearances. It appears that at Rustum’s command, the Persians wanted to present a dazzling image in the hope that those Arabs, who had always been poor, might be diverted from their principles and tempted with gold and riches. Therefore, they put out gold-embroidered cushions, silk carpets, and a large variety of pearls, diamonds and other precious stones. Rustum sat on a golden couch, wearing a crown-like headgear. This was markedly in contrast with Ribiyy’s appearance, who was wearing very simple clothes, armed with a sword and shield, riding a small horse.
In a glance, Ribiyy took in the situation and determined his reaction. He rode his horse until it stepped over the carpet, and then he dismounted and tied his horse to some of the cushions. He moved forward, wearing his arms and his helmet. They told him to take off his arms, but he said: “I have not come to you out of my own initiative. It was you who invited me. You either receive me as I am or I will leave.”
Rustum told his men to leave him alone.
Ribiyy came forward, using his spear as a stick with which he tore up most of the cushions.
The first question the Persians put to Ribiyy was once more about the reason that made the Arabs come out to fight the great empire. Ribiyy said: “It is God who ordered us so that we can save whoever is willing to be saved from the worship of creatures to the worship of God, and from the narrowness of this life to a great expanse, and from the oppression practiced by other faiths to the justice ensured to all under Islam. He sent us with His message to His creatures so that we can call on them to accept His faith. Whoever accepts it is acceptable to us and we leave them alone. Those who reject it we will fight until we get what God has promised.”
They asked him what has God promised.
He replied: “He has promised heaven to everyone who dies in the fighting against those who reject His faith, and victory for those who survive.”
Rustum then told him: “I have understood what you say. Will you be willing to give us some time so that we can think about it, while you also can consider your position.”
Ribiyy said: “Yes, we can. Which suits you best: One day or two?”
They said: “No! We need a longer period, allowing us time to write to our advisers and consult our leaders.”
Ribiyy said: “God’s Messenger has not given us leave to allow the enemy any time over and above three days. You can consider what option suits you and your people. You can choose one of three alternatives within the time allowed.”
Rustum was amazed at Ribiyy’s attitude that emanated dignity and power. He wanted to be sure of his position among the Muslims. He asked them: “Are you the commander of your people?”
Ribiyy said: “No, but all Muslims are a single entity, just like one person. If any of them gives a pledge, even though he be a humble individual, all will honor his pledge.”
When this was made clear, Rustum privately consulted the chiefs of his people. He expressed his admiration of Ribiyy, saying: “Have you ever heard anyone who is more dignified or more intelligent than this Arab?”
They said: “We cannot think that you could ever be convinced by what he says, or that you might abandon your own religion to accept what this dog has said. Do you not see his clothes?”
Rustum appealed to them not to give any importance to clothes but rather consider his argument and behavior, adding: “Those Arabs do not set much store by clothes and food. They indeed preserve their family’s honor.”
Again nothing much came out of this mission, as the Persian generals were arrogantly sure of their power and that no one could match them. Yet Rustum asked Saad to send him another representative. He sent Hudhayfah ibn Mihsan who followed the lead of Ribiyy ibn Amir, giving the Persians the same message. Some reports suggest that Al-Mugheerah, whom we reported to be the first single messenger, was in fact the last. Whatever the order in which these three Muslim messengers met the Persians, there is no doubt as to the message they gave him.
However, it must not be assumed that Rustum behaved as a weakened listener. He apparently made some forceful argument. It is suggested that he said to Al-Mugheerah at one point: “The way you came into our land is like the case of a fly which saw some honey. It called out for help to reach the honey, offering two dirhams in return. When it arrived at the honey, it was sucked into it. It then shouted: ‘Who can save me and I will give him four dirhams.’ Or I may give you another example. You are like a thin, hungry fox who crept into a vineyard. When the farmer saw that he was weak, he allowed him to stay. But then the fox spoilt much of the vine trees. The farmer got a large stick and chased the fox with his boys. The fox tried to get out through the hole where he entered, but he could not because he was now too fat to get through. The farmer beat him with his stick until he died. You will certainly be made to leave our land in the same fashion.” At one point Rustum was very angry and he swore by the sun that he would kill all the Arabs on the morrow. Al-Mugheerah, however, did not say more than a single short sentence in reply: “You will certainly come to know.”
But then Rustum restrained his anger and spoke mildly, making an offer which he thought might tempt the Arabs: “I will give instructions that you will all be given a set of clothes each, and I will send to your commander one thousand dinars, fine clothes and a mount. In return, you must leave our land.”
Al-Mugheerah sarcastically said: “Are you offering us this after we have weakened you, reducing your power? We have already come this far into your land. We will make you pay tribute to us, leaving you truly humiliated. You will be our slaves.”
These words sent Rustum back into fury, but nothing came out of all these discussions. The battle that ensued soon afterward ended with a resounding victory for the Muslims, and Rustum was killed.
It should be noted that the Muslim envoys stressed the objective for which they strove, namely, providing the light of the true faith for all people, so that they will have a chance to worship God alone and be saved from all injustice practiced by man, whether in the name of religion or in any other guise.