Heraclius the younger followed his father in renouncing allegiance to Phocas, who had himself seized the throne from the Emperor Maurice. As Emperor, he had a reputation for military brilliance and administrative shrewdness as well as devotion to Christianity.
In Muslim culture, there is a legend that the prophet Muhammad sent Hercalius a message inviting him to embrace Islam, and that the emperor initially agreed to do so but changed him mind under pressure from his subjects.
