"Abu al-Qasim...

"Abu al-Qasim," the bishop called out, "we will not make a contest of prayer with you but we will make peace with you. Therefore make peace with us as we propose." So the Prophet made peace with them on the condition (of the payment) of two thousand protective breastplates, each breastplate being forty standard dirham (in value). If they varied in value, it would be taken into account.

The Prophet, may God bless him and his family, had a document written (laying out the terms) by which he had made peace with them. The document is as follows: In the name of God, the Merciful and the Compassionate. In terms of gold and silver, produce and slaves, nothing will be taken from them except two thousand protective breastplates, each breastplate being worth forty dirham. If they vary in value, it will be taken into the account.

They will pay one thousand of them in the month of Safar and one thousand of them in the month of Rajab. (In addition,) they will provide forty dinars for a dwelling house for my agent (rasul), not more than that. Also in every incident that occurs in Yemen, it will be required of them, (that is) of everyone who lives in a permanent settlement (dhi'adan),to pay as guaranteed equally (by both parties) thirty breastplates, thirty horses and thirty camels as guaranteed equally (by both parties).

They will have the neighbourly protection of God (jiwar Allah) and the protection (dhimma) of Muhammad b. 'Abd Allah. Whoever of them takes interest after this year will be denied my protection. This is a document made on behalf of Muhammad, the Prophet, the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family, and the people of Najran and their followers. The people took the document and departed.

In the story of the people of Najran there is a clear explanation of the outstanding merit of the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, in addition to the clear sign of the Prophet, may God bless him and his family, and the miracle which indicates his prophethood.

Do you not see the Christians' admission of his prophethood, and his convincing them to refrain from the contest of prayer, and making them realise that if they had taken part in such a contest, dread punishment against them would have been permissible? Similarly he, peace be on him, was confident in victory and success over them by the proof (he would bring) against them.