And you know that this is among the easiest things for the Muslims to do. My sole purpose now is to address you in the best manner and to help in examining matters of knowledge, following the truth, and doing what is required. If the king has someone whose reason and religious integrity he trusts, let him discuss with that person the foundations of knowledge and the true nature of religions. He should not be content to be among those blindly imitating Christians who neither listen nor reason: they are only like cattle—indeed, they are even further astray.

The foundation of this is to seek Allah’s help, ask Him for guidance, and say:

“O Allah, show me the truth as truth and help me to follow it. Show me falsehood as falsehood and help me to avoid it. Do not let it become unclear to me, lest I follow my desires and go astray.”

And say:

“O Allah, Lord of Gabriel, Michael, and Isrāfīl, Originator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen, You judge between Your servants concerning that over which they differed. By Your permission, guide me to the truth concerning which there is disagreement. Indeed, You guide whom You will to a straight path.”

This letter does not allow for a fuller discussion than this. I desire for the king only what will benefit him in this world and the Hereafter, and that consists of two things.

(The first) concerns him alone: that he gain understanding of knowledge and religion, that the truth become clear to him and doubt be dispelled, and that he worship Allah as He has commanded. This is better for him than dominion over the entire world. It is what the Messiah was sent with and taught the disciples.

(The second) concerns both him and the Muslims: that he assist the prisoners in his land, treat them kindly, and command his subjects to treat them kindly