And so all the people pledged their allegiance to al-Mustaʿṣim (1) — may our Lord bless him and grant him peace. He sent envoys to every region, instructing them to secure the pledge of allegiance and promote concord (2). The pulpits were honoured by the mention of his name, and (3) proclamations of his munificence were broadcast far and wide. His exemplary conduct spread to every horizon, and his surpassing justice reached all his subjects.

(Shaykh (4) Imād al-Dīn Ibn Kathīr — may Allah have mercy on him — said): Then (5) I subsequently composed the following verses (6):

Allah next tried him with the Tatars, the followers of the over-powering Chinggis Khan. Accompanying them was his grandson Hūlāgū (7), and there was no escape from what he decreed. They tore his armies to pieces and scattered his ranks; they slew him himself and his family. They laid waste to Baghdad and the surrounding lands, killing both grandfathers and grandchildren. They plundered wealth along with the womenfolk, fearing not the might of the Almighty. They were deceived by his outward composure and forbearance, and by the restraints imposed by his own justice and rule. After him the caliphate lay vacant, and no calamity like it had ever been recorded.

Thereafter the sultan — that is, al-Ẓāhir — installed a caliph, namely al-Mustanṣir (8). After him, al-Hākim (9) assumed the office, having been nominated by the learned leader Baybars. Then came his son, the caliph al-Mustakfī (10); for the discerning, this much suffices. After him a number of others succeeded (11), yet they possessed neither knowledge nor competence.