—the very truth to which his independent reasoning, the keenness of his intellect, and his far-reaching familiarity with the Sunnah and the transmitted opinions had led him.

Alongside that stood what was famously known of him (1): scrupulous piety, consummate insight, quick comprehension, fear of the Almighty Allah (2), and profound reverence for His sacred ordinances.

So there broke out between him and them ⦗47⦘ sorties like military raids—Syrian and Egyptian encounters. How many a time they shot at him with a single bow (3), yet Allah delivered him! He was ever supplicating, often crying for help, strong in reliance on his Lord, unflinching at heart. He observed regular litanies and remembrances to which he was devoted with both method (4) and full presence.

On the other side he had loving supporters among scholars and devout men, soldiers and commanders, merchants and dignitaries. The rest of the common people loved him as well, for he stood day and night to serve their interests with tongue and pen alike.

As for his bravery, proverbs were coined about it, and even the greatest champions tried to emulate a part of it (5). Indeed, Allah set him at the forefront during the Ghazan campaign (6); he shouldered the whole burden himself—standing, sitting, and even advancing