by Allah, if I get hold of him I will surely put him to death.”

Al-Dawraqī added: “During al-Rashīd’s reign he kept himself in hiding, but once al-Rashīd died he emerged and began calling people to error.”

I say: After that al-Maʾmūn delved into speculative theology, held debates, and for a while remained undecided about preaching his innovation.

Abū al-Faraj Ibn al-Jawzī says: “Some Muʿtazilites mixed with him and made the doctrine of the Qurʾān’s createdness seem attractive to him. He wavered, watching the few senior scholars who still remained; then his resolve hardened and he subjected the people to an inquisition.”

Al-Musallam ibn Muḥammad narrated to us in his book; Abū al-Yaman al-Kindī narrated to us; Abū Manṣūr al-Shaybānī narrated to us; Abū Bakr al-Khaṭīb narrated to us; Abū Bakr al-Ḥīrī narrated to us; Abū al-ʿAbbās al-Aṣamm narrated to us; Yaḥyā ibn Abī Ṭālib narrated to us; al-Ḥasan ibn Shādhān al-Wāsiṭī informed me; Ibn ʿArʿarah narrated to me; and Ibn Aktham said:

“Al-Maʾmūn once told us, ‘Were it not for the standing of Yazīd ibn Hārūn, I would openly declare that the Qurʾān is created.’

One of those present asked, ‘Commander of the Faithful, who is Yazīd that you should have to take him into account?’

He replied, ‘Woe to you! I fear that if I proclaim it he will refute me, the people will differ, turmoil will ensue, and I detest turmoil.’

The man said, ‘Then I will find out his view on your behalf.’

‘Do so,’ al-Maʾmūn answered.

So the man went off to Wāsiṭ, came to Yazīd, and said, ‘Abū Khālid, the Commander of the Faithful conveys his greetings to you and says that he intends to make public the doctrine that the Qurʾān is created.’

Yazīd replied, ‘You have lied about the Commander of the Faithful. He would never force people to embrace something they do not understand. If you are truthful, sit here; when the assembly gathers, repeat what you have just said.’

The next day the people assembled, the man stood up, and repeated his statement.

Yazīd said, ‘You have lied about the Commander of the Faithful. He would not compel the people to affirm what they do not know and what no one has ever said.’

The envoy returned and reported back. ‘Commander of the Faithful, you knew best,’ he said, and told him what had happened.

Al-Maʾmūn exclaimed, ‘Woe to you! You were made a plaything!’