the inhabitants of Mardin and others.

As for whether it is a land of war or a land of peace, it has a mixed character, combining features of both. It is neither like a land of peace, where the rulings of Islam apply because its troops are Muslims, nor like a land of war, whose inhabitants are unbelievers. Rather, it belongs to a third category: Muslims there are treated as they deserve, while those who depart from the law of Islam are fought as they deserve.

He—may Allah Most High have mercy on him—also said:

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.

From Ahmad ibn Taymiyyah to the Sultan of the Muslims and the ruler of the believers, the deputy of the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—among his community, charged with upholding the obligations of the religion and its Sunnah.

May Allah grant him such support as will set right the affairs of this world and the Hereafter for him and for the Muslims, and enable him to put all inward and outward affairs in order, so that he may be included among those described in the words of Allah Most High:

“Those who, if We establish them in the land, establish prayer, give zakah, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. And to Allah belongs the outcome of all matters.”

And in the words of the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“Seven are those whom Allah will shade in His shade on the Day when there is no shade but His: a just ruler”—to the end of the hadith.

And in his words—may Allah bless him and grant him peace: