The Rashīdī History 99.2.6

99.2.6

It was most astounding that all this should have been ignored, and that he should, though innocent, have been put to death. It is therefore all the more fitting that his story should not be told more fully; what God willed came to pass. Moreover, the retribution for this act is in His power; and we should read and remember the verse, "Verily we belong to God, and unto God we return." It is the more strange that those very mischief-makers who had caused a rupture in the affairs of Rashid Sultan, were those whom he raised to high dignities. In short, Mirza Ali Taghai was appointed successor to my uncle, and was sent to Kashghar, where, on his arrival, he omitted no act of cruelty, such as putting to death my uncle's children and relatives. . . . . In a word, the accession of Rashid Khan was characterised by the shedding of innocent blood, and by an absence of humanity. [Verses. . . .] In the sight of the wise and pious, it is not right to shed blood, even for the kingdom of the whole world. After the murder of these faithful men, Rashid Khan established himself upon the throne of the Khanate. When the news of the death of the Khan reached Mansur Khan, he marched against Aksu, and Rashid Khan went out to meet him. Mansur Khan returned without achieving his object, and Rashid Sultan likewise returned to his seat of government. The attempt was afterwards repeated by Mansur Khan; Rashid Khan also marched out again, and returned with success and spoil.