The Quran still proves Muhammad's prophethood

The story of Heraclius interrogating Abu Sufyan proves Muhammad's prophethood through his character, message, and the enduring miracle of the Quran, proofs still available today, so faith does not depend on witnessing miracles, and true believers, like the prophets, pass through defeat and purification before final victory.

The khutbah in 7 steps

1. First khutbah: Abu Sufyan (then still a non-Muslim) summoned before Heraclius, who interrogates him about the Prophet
2. Heraclius' checklist: noble lineage, novel claim, no royal ancestry, followed by the weak, increasing followers, no apostasy, never lied, never betrays
3. Lessons drawn: companions believed because of the message not miracles; a habitual liar about small things will lie about big things
4. The pattern of the prophets: early defeat and testing, then ultimate victory, the same pattern for believers who truly follow Muhammad
5. The Prophet's letter to Heraclius ('accept Islam and you will be safe') including Quran 3:64; commotion in the palace; Abu Sufyan's realization Islam would prevail
6. Second khutbah: continuation narrated by the bishop of Jerusalem, Heraclius reads the stars, the scholar in Rome confirms the prophethood, the dignitaries' riot, Heraclius retreats out of fear for his power
7. Close: the greatest remaining miracle is the Quran, pick it up, read it, let it guide you, followed by extended du'a including for Gaza and Palestine