Then the year 475 AH commenced.

In that year Muʾayyid al-Mulk, the son of Niẓām al-Mulk, arrived, took up residence in his father’s madrasa, and drums were sounded at his gate at the three prayer times.

During the same year Shaykh Abū Isḥāq al-Shīrāzī was dispatched as an envoy to Sultan Malik-Shāh and to the vizier Niẓām al-Mulk. Whenever Abū Isḥāq entered a town, its residents—children and women included—went out to receive him, seeking blessing from him and rubbing themselves against his stirrup; some even collected dust from the hoof-prints of his mule. When he reached Sāwa (1) the townspeople turned out for him, and in every market he passed through they scattered upon him the finest items they possessed. He then passed by the market of the bishops, where all they had were children’s slippers, so they showered those upon him, leaving the Shaykh amazed at the sight.

Also in this year the Friday sermon was renewed [by order of the caliph] (2) for the daughter of Sultan Malik-Shāh. Her mother at first demanded 400,000 dinars, but it was finally agreed that 50,000 dinars be given for nursing costs and that the dowry be set at 100,000 dinars.

[In the same year the Sultan fought his brother Tutush, captured him, then released him, after which Tutush’s authority was confirmed over Damascus and its districts] (3). The pilgrimage that year was led by Khitlagh.

Among the notable persons who died in this year:

• ʿAbd al-Wahhāb ibn Muḥammad ibn Isḥāq ibn Muḥammad ibn Yaḥyā ibn Mandah (4), Abū ʿAmr (5), the ḥāfiẓ. He belonged to a household devoted to ḥadith, travelled far and wide in pursuit of it, and amassed a large collection. He passed away in Isfahan this year—may Allah have mercy on him.

• Ibn Mākolā (6), the prince Abū Naṣr ʿAlī, son of the vizier Abū al-Qāsim Hibat Allah ibn ʿAlī ibn Jaʿfar ibn ʿAlkān ibn