The Institutes of Akbar 135.1.5

135.1.5

His Majesty had now determined publicly to use the formula, ‘There is no God but God, and Akbar is God’s representative.’ But as this led to commotions, he thought better of it, and restricted the use of the formula to a few people in the Harem. People expressed the date of this event by the words finahi ummat, the ruin of the Church (987). The emperor tried hard to convert Qutbuddin Muhammad Khan and Shahbaz Khan (vide List of grandees, IId book, Nos. 28 and 80), and several others. But they staunchly objected. Qutbuddin said, “What would the kings of the West, as the Sultan of Constantinople, say, if he heard all this. Our faith is the same, whether a man hold high or broad views.” His Majesty then asked him, if he was in India on a secret mission from Constantinople, as he shewed so much opposition; or if he wished to keep a small place warm for himself, should he once go away from India, and be a respectable man there: he might go at once. Shahbaz got excited, and took a part in the conversation; and when Bir Bar—that hellish dog—made a sneering remark at our religion, Shahbaz abused him roundly, and said, “You cursed infidel, do you talk in this manner? It would not take me long to settle you.” It got quite uncomfortable, when His Majesty said to Shahbaz in particular, and to the others in general, “Would that a shoe-full of excrements were thrown into your faces.” [p. 276.]