Diplomatic Relations of the First Islamic State with the Emirates of the Arabian Peninsula

Abstract

The practice of establishing diplomatic relations and dispatching ambassador among nations and states existed as a customary tradition prior to the advent of Islam. Islam not only preserved this tradition but also institutionalized it by introducing necessary regulations, thereby enabling the systematic continuation of diplomatic engagement. Within this framework, the Agreement of Hudaybiyyah, signed in the sixth year of the Hijrah, represented a significant milestone, marking the commencement of official diplomatic initiatives undertaken by the nascent Islamic State. Following this development, the state centered in Medina initiated diplomatic relations with various principalities across the Arabian Peninsula. Ambassodor were dispatched, and formal letters were sent to regional political actors. These letters invited local rulers to embrace Islam and to acknowledge the authority of the Islamic State. It was stipulated that acceptance of Islam would permit these rulers to retain their existing positions of power. While certain rulers adhered to established diplomatic conventions, others violated the principle of diplomatic immunity. As a result of these efforts, a considerable number of rulers converted to Islam, non-Muslim communities were subjected to the jizya tax, and the Islamic State was able to expand its influence across the region without resorting to armed conflict. This period thus constitutes a notable example of the early implementation of Islamic diplomacy. This study evaluates the importance attributed to diplomacy by the early Islamic State, the diplomatic gains achieved through non-violent means with principalities in the Arabian Peninsula, and the broader diplomatic process. The analysis is conducted within the framework of Islamic jurisprudence, drawing upon classical fiqh literature, early Islamic historical sources, and contemporary scholarship on diplomacy and Islamic international law.