had power over the Muslims in their lands, the Muslims have greater power over the Christians in theirs. Among the Christians living under Muslim protection are patriarchs and other Christian scholars and monks upon whom those Christians depend. Yet there is no Muslim in Christian lands upon whom the Muslims depend—all praise belongs to Allah. Nevertheless, securing the release of captives is among the greatest obligations, and spending endowed funds and other wealth for this purpose is among the greatest acts of devotion.

Every Muslim knows that they travel to Muslim lands to trade only for their own purposes, not to benefit the Muslims. Even if their kings forbade them to do so, their eagerness for wealth would prevent them from obeying, for they are the most covetous of people. This is why they gamble in churches. They are divided into different sects, each opposing the others.

No one would advise the Muslim ruler to allow their religious rites to be displayed in Muslim lands, or to strengthen their position in any way, unless he were a hypocrite who outwardly professes Islam while inwardly belonging to them; a man with a corrupt motive, whom they may, for example, have bribed and influenced through inducements or threats; or a profoundly ignorant man who knows nothing of the principles of governance prescribed by Allah’s law, which bring the Muslim ruler victory over his enemies and the enemies of the religion.

Otherwise, anyone knowledgeable and sincerely concerned for the ruler’s welfare would advise him to pursue what would secure his victory, strengthen his position, bring him support, unite Muslim hearts around him, win their love, and lead people throughout the East and West to pray for him. All of this