toward scholars, and—despite the heavy responsibilities of the vizierate—he remained engrossed in learning and in committing it to writing. Of lofty rank, he was a blessing to his age.

He received hadith from Abū ʿUthmān ibn Malla, Hibat Allāh ibn al-Ḥuṣayn, and many others besides them. During his own tenure of power he heard much, summoned the shaykhs, honored them, and lavished gifts upon them.

Ibn al-Jawzī ⦗1⦘ said: “He strove earnestly to follow what was right, shunned injustice, and would not wear silk. He told me, ‘When I returned from al-Ḥillah I went in to al-Muqtafi, who said to me, “Enter that room and change your clothes.” I went in and found a servant and an attendant with silk robes of honor. I swore by Allah that I would not wear them. The servant went out and informed the caliph, and I heard him say, “By Allah, I already said he would not put it on.”’ ”

Al-Muqtafi was fond of him. When al-Mustanjid succeeded to the caliphate, Ibn Hubayra came before him and said, “It is enough to prove my sincerity that I never courted your favor during your father’s reign.” He replied, “You speak the truth.”

He ⦗2⦘ said: Murjān the chamberlain related: “I heard al-Mustanjid bi-llāh declaim to his vizier, who stood before him in the midst of a discussion aimed at affirming the principles of religion and righteousness; he recited verses that he himself had composed ⦗3⦘:

Two blessings have embraced you, singled you out yet reached the rest;
Their memory will be recalled until the Day of Resurrection. ⦗4⦘"