The ceremonial mounts of the caliphate were brought for him, but he said, “My own mount is easier for me.” He therefore rode his mule. Someone then asked, “Will you stay in the caliphal residence?” He replied, “The household of Abū Ayyūb is there; my own tent is enough for me.”

When evening came he said, “Rajāʾ, summon a scribe for me.” I did so, and he dictated to him a letter in the most eloquent and concise style. He then ordered that it be copied and dispatched to every province.

Sulaymān ibn ʿAbd al-Malik had been among the finest of the caliphs. He unfurled the banner of jihad and outfitted one hundred thousand troops for land and sea. They laid siege to Constantinople, and the fighting and encirclement lasted for more than a year.

Saʿīd ibn ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz said: “When Sulaymān assumed authority he said to ʿUmar ibn ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz, ‘Abū Ḥafs, we have been entrusted with what you see, and we do not know how to manage it. Whatever you deem to be in the public interest, command it.’” As a direct result the governors appointed by al-Ḥajjāj were dismissed, the prayers were restored to their proper times after having been delayed, and other momentous matters were addressed in which Sulaymān heeded ʿUmar’s counsel.

It is reported that Sulaymān performed the pilgrimage. When he saw the throngs at the standing-place he said to ʿUmar, “Do you not behold this multitude whose number none but Allah can reckon?” ʿUmar replied, “Today they are your subjects; tomorrow they will be your adversaries.” Sulaymān thereupon wept bitterly.

I say: ʿUmar was a loyal minister to him. Sulaymān fell ill at Dābiq for a week and died, while his son Dāwūd was away on the campaign against Constantinople.

Rajāʾ ibn Ḥaywah also related: “When Sulaymān’s illness became critical and he died, I seated him, propped him up and prepared him. I then went out to the people, who asked, ‘How is the Commander of the Faithful this morning?’ I replied, ‘He is calm. Go in, greet him, and pledge allegiance before him to what is in the covenant.’ They entered, and I stood by him, saying, ‘He commands you to remain standing.’ Then I took the document from his sleeve and said, ‘The Commander of the Faithful orders you to pledge allegiance to what is in this document.’ They pledged, extending their hands; and when they had finished I said, ‘May Allah recompense you for the loss of the Commander of the Faithful.’”