Yes, I can refrain from defending myself or retaliating against those who have wronged me and slandered me. I can forgo what is due to me and refrain from seeking to harm anyone by asserting my rights. All this I willingly offer, praise be to Allah, and I am entirely content to do so.

I had said to him: “The harm in this ‘case’ falls not upon me, but upon you. Those who stirred it up are enemies of Islam: they hate it, hate its devoted adherents and those who strive in its defence, and prefer that its enemies—the Tatars and others like them—should prevail. They have devised a scheme against you by which they seek to corrupt your religion and your state. Some of them have gone to the lands of the Tatars, while others remain in Syria and elsewhere.

“There are secrets behind this case that I cannot disclose, nor can I name those involved, until you consult the sultan’s deputy. If he gives permission, I will tell you; otherwise, he is not to be told. Investigate what I am telling you for yourselves.”

He was astonished at this and said: “My master, will you not name anyone for me yourself?”

I replied: “I will not do so, for that would not be proper. But you should understand, in general terms, that they intended to corrupt your religious and worldly affairs. They have put me forward as a cover, knowing that I am loyal to you and work for the good of your religious and worldly affairs. In time, Allah willing, the matter will become clear.”

I said to him: “Besides, what have I to fear? If I were killed, I would be among the finest martyrs, and mercy and divine pleasure would be upon me until the Day of Resurrection. Whoever killed me would incur an enduring curse in this world and punishment in the Hereafter. Let everyone who believes in Allah and His Messenger know that if I am killed