who were with him, and he dealt with them ruthlessly; they came back battered and utterly humiliated.

Sayf al-Din Jaghan then ordered that everyone who had launched and promoted the affair be brought before him. Messengers and aides circulated throughout the city in search of them, so they went into hiding. Their leader sought protection with Badr al-Din al-Atabaki, entered his house, and begged him to grant him refuge (1) from the pursuit. Badr al-Din handled the matter gently until Sayf al-Din Jaghan’s anger (2) abated.

On Friday, the thirteenth of the month, the Shaykh took his usual seat. His Qur’an commentary that day was on the Almighty’s words: “And indeed you are of a lofty character” (Q 68:4). He spoke about forbearance and the manner in which it should be exercised; it was a most dignified session.

Afterwards he met with the Shafi‘i judge, Imam al-Din (3), and arranged with him to read the section he had composed in reply, the treatise known as al-Hamawiyya.

Accordingly, they assembled on Saturday, the fourteenth of the month, from early morning until about one-third of the night before Sunday, in a long, uninterrupted sitting. The entire creed was read aloud (4); he clarified his intent in the passages that had seemed problematic, and neither the judge nor anyone present voiced any objection. The session ended while the judge was saying, “Whoever speaks against the Shaykh, I