that Sultan al-Malik al-Nāsir li-l-Dīn is among those of whom the Lord of all worlds, the God of the heavens and the earth—through whose granting of authority on His earth its kings and mighty sultans have gained their power—speaks in His mighty Book, which is recited. Let whoever wishes reflect:

“Those who, if We establish them in the land, establish prayer, give zakah, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.”

He is indeed among those whom Allah Most High has established in authority on earth: this is certain, not conjectural. He is among those meant by His words, Most High:

“Allah has promised those of you who believe and do righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession in the land, as He granted it to those before them; that He will surely establish for them their religion, which He has approved for them; and that He will surely replace their fear with security. They worship Me, associating nothing with Me.”

Among the gracious acts of mercy and compassionate care that Muslims have known and believers have grown accustomed to are the honouring of religious people and the esteem shown to Muslim scholars. What prompted the presentation of these explicit supplications to your august presence—although they have always been raised to Allah, Glorified is He, with sincere intention—is the saying of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“Religion is sincerity.” He was asked, “Towards whom, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Towards Allah, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims and their common people.”

And his saying, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“Actions are judged only by intentions.”

These two hadiths are well known to be authentic and are widely transmitted throughout the Muslim community.