And it is evident to all that honoring this imam and treating him with reverence and respect sustains the kingdom, preserves the order of the state, strengthens the faith, draws forth supplications, confounds enemies, and humbles the people of religious innovation and vain desires. It revives the Muslim community, dispels distress, brings abundant reward and lasting renown, wards off calamity, and benefits the people. The Muslims’ very condition speaks in the words of the Most Great, the Most Exalted:

“So when they entered his presence, they said, ‘O exalted one, hardship has afflicted us and our families, and we have brought goods of little worth. So give us full measure and be charitable toward us. Indeed, Allah rewards the charitable.’”

The goods of little worth are these sheets inscribed with ink, and the benefit sought is the release of Shaykh al-Islām. What prompted this bold step was his saying, peace be upon him:

“Religion is sincere counsel.”

And peace be upon you. May Allah bless our master Muhammad and his pure, noble family, and grant them abundant peace. Here ends this letter.

The author said:

I also came across “another letter” from Baghdad. It reads as follows:

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon the noblest of the messengers, Muhammad the Prophet