The Rashīdī History 18.6

18.6

Having completed his injunctions to his son, the Shaikh died. Soon afterwards Tughluk Timur became Khan. When news of this reached Mauláná Arshad-ud-Din, he left Aksu and proceeded to Moghulistán, where the Khan was ruling in great pomp and splendour. But all his efforts to obtain an interview with him. that he might execute his charge, were in vain. Every morning, however, he used to call out the prayers near to the Khán's tent. One morning the Khán said to one of his followers : " Somebody has been calling out like this for several mornings now ; go and bring him here." The Mauláná was in the middle of his call to prayer when the Moghul arrived, who, seizing him by the neck, dragged him before the Khan. The latter said to him : " Who are you that thus disturb my sleep every morning at an early hour ? " He replied : "I am the son of the man to whom, on a certain occasion, you made the promise to become a Musulman." And he proceeded to recount the above related story. The Khan then said : " You are welcome, and where is your father ? " He replied: "My father is dead, but he entrusted this mission to me." The Khan rejoined : " Ever since I ascended the throne I have had it on my mind that I made that promise, but the person to whom I gave the pledge never came. Now you are welcome. What must I do?" On that morn the sun of bounty rose out of the east of divine favour, and effaced the dark night of Unbelief.