When this happened they were delighted, yet at the same time feared that it might harm the pilgrims. Then the rain began to alternate and pour down in succession (1)—praise and thanks belong to Allah—but the pilgrims set out through heavy mud and many a slippery stretch; Allah is the One who safeguards, assists, and protects.

Once the Hajj caravan was well on its way, a violent downpour struck them between al-Sanamayn (2) [wa Zuraʿ] (3), detaining them there for several days. They then forced themselves onward to Zuraʿ, but did not reach it except after great toil and severe hardship. Many—indeed most—turned back. They later recounted alarming events brought about by the force of the rains and the abundance of mire. Some who had already advanced as far as the land of Busra experienced ease because of that—Allah’s help is sought.

It was also said that many ladies of the household (4) walked barefoot between Zuraʿ and al-Sanamayn and beyond. The amir of the Hajj was Sayf al-Din Malak Āṣ (5), and his judge was Shihab al-Din ibn al-Shajara, who was that day the magistrate of Baalbek—Allah’s help is sought. End.

[Then the year 747 AH began]

The year opened while the sovereign over Egypt, Syria, the Two Holy Sanctuaries, and other domains was al-Malik al-Kamil Sayf al-Din Shaʿban, son of al-Malik al-Nasir Muhammad, son of al-Malik al-Mansur Qalawun; he had no deputy in Egypt.

The judges of Egypt were the same as those mentioned for the previous year.

The viceroy of Damascus was Emir Sayf al-Din Yalbugha al-Yahyāwi.

The judges of Damascus were likewise those already named, except that the chief judge ʿImad al-Din Ismaʿil al-Hanafi resigned in favor of his son, the chief judge Najm al-Din, who then held the office alone and lectured at the Nuriya, while his father continued to lecture at the Rayhaniya (6).

On Friday, the twenty-sixth (7) of Muharram of this year, the righteous shaykh Taqi al-Din Muhammad (8) ibn