their beds and on horseback—men whose exploits, both past and recent, have reached the king. Among the Muslims are also righteous men whose supplications Allah does not reject and whose requests He does not disappoint; the Lord is angry when they are angry and pleased when they are pleased. These Tatars, despite their great numbers and their affiliation with the Muslims, were beset by calamities beyond description when the Muslims became angry with them.

How, then, O king, can it be fitting for a people who border the Muslims on most sides to treat them in this manner, which no reasonable person would approve, whether a Muslim or someone bound by a covenant? Moreover, you know that the Muslims bear no blame whatsoever; rather, they deserve praise for what they have done. Their religion is the very one whose excellence all reasonable people unanimously acknowledge. Even the philosophers agree that no religion better than this has ever appeared in the world. Conclusive proofs have established the obligation to follow it.

Furthermore, these coastal lands have remained in their hands; indeed, even Cyprus was taken from them less than three hundred years ago. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, promised them that they would remain triumphant until the Day of Resurrection.

What assurance, then, does the king have that the Lord of all people and lands will not avenge these oppressed prisoners in his land, just as He avenges others? And what assurance does he have that the Muslims’ zeal for their faith will not move them to do to his land what they have done to others? If we see proper conduct from the king and his companions, we will treat them kindly. Otherwise, Allah will surely help whoever is wronged.