The Rashīdī History 11.4

11.4

I began my history with the reign of Tughluk Timur Khán for three reasons. (1.) That which had happened before the time of Tughluk Timur Khán had been already recorded, but no account had been written of events which took place after his time, and which, not being contained in any history, ought to be written. But to write of the times preceding Tughluk Timur Khán, when we have already that other excellent history, the Zafar-Náma, would be like digging a well on the margin of the Euphrates. (2.) None of his successors have attained to so great a degree of pre-eminence, or acquired so extensive a dominion, as Tughluk Timur Khan. (3.) He was one of the Moghul Khakáns who were converted to Islam, and during his reign the Moghuls, having withdrawn their necks from the yoke of Unbelief, entered into that state of freedom in Islam enjoyed by all Musulmans. For these reasons, this history is dedicated to his illustrious name and his most noble memory. And for three chief reasons, out of many, I have called this book the Tarikh-i-Rashidi: 1. It was Mauláná Arshad-ud-Din who converted Tughluk Timur to Islám, as will be recounted hereafter.