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Text and translation
English translation
5136. It was narrated from Ibn 'Abbās that the Prophet ﷺ wrote to Heraclius: "From Muḥammad, the Messenger of Allāh, to Heraclius the ruler of Rome. Peace be upon those who follow true guidance." Ibn Yaḥyā (one of the narrators) said: "It was narrated from Ibn 'Abbās that Abū Sufyān told him: 'We entered upon Heraclius and he seated us before him, then he called for the letter of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ, in which it said: "In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. From Muḥammad, the Messenger of Allāh, to Heraclius the ruler of Rome. Peace be upon those who follow true guidance. Amma ba'd (to proceed)."(Sahih)
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Commentary
Starting a letter or any important document with the Name of Allah is Sunnah. Writing numbers like 786 in the beginning of a written work is an innovation. These narrations demonstrate that it is correct for the author to cite his name first. While writing to a non-Muslim, instead of greeting with Salām, one should write: "Peace be upon those who follow right guidance."
