In this same year (1), a few days before his death he ordered that everything he possessed or could summon be displayed before him while he sat in the viewing pavilion. The entire army mounted in full array; all his riches were brought forth, as were his slaves, even his concubines and favored attendants.

He began to weep and said, “These troops cannot ward off from me even the weight of an atom (2), nor can they prolong my life for a single moment.” He then felt remorse and sorrow for what he had done to the caliph al-Muqtafi and the people of Baghdad—the siege he had laid upon them and the harm he had inflicted.

He added, “If the Angel of Death would accept these treasuries, these monies, and these jewels as a ransom, I would give him every last bit of them; and if he would take these favorites, these beautiful concubines, and these servants as my ransom, I would freely surrender them all.”

Then he recited: “My wealth has not availed me (28); my authority has perished from me.” (3) [al-Ḥāqqah: 28–29].

After that he distributed a large portion (4) of (5) those stores and fortunes (6). He died leaving behind a small son—may Allah have mercy upon him.

The troops and commanders then agreed upon his uncle Sulaymān Shāh ibn Muḥammad ibn Malikshāh, who had (7) been imprisoned in Mosul; he was released (8), the sultanate was conferred upon him (9), and the Friday sermon was delivered in his name on the pulpits of those regions, with the exception of Baghdad and Iraq. Allah (10) Most Exalted knows best.

Then came the year 555 AH.

Report (11) of the death of the caliph al-Muqtafi and the accession of al-Mustanjid (12)

In that year: the death of the Commander of the Faithful (13), the caliph al-Muqtafi li-Amr Allah, Abū ʿAbd Allah Muḥammad ibn al-Mustazhir bi-Allah,