The Nāṣirī Generations 45.8

45.8

A Hindu presented himself, and offered to act as guide, and that sovereign, with the army of Islam, proceeded on his way. After the army had marched all night and next day, and the time had come round for the troops to halt, although search was made for water, none was any where to be found. The Sultan directed that the Hindu guide should be brought before him, and inquiries made from him. This was done, when the Hindu guide replied to the Sultan, saying : 'I have devoted my life for the idol Somnath, and I have led you and your army into this desert, in any part of which water is not to be found, in order that you may all perish.' The Sultan commanded that the Hindu should be despatched to hell, and that the troops should halt and take up their quarters for the night. He then waited until night had set in, after which he left the camp, and proceeded to some distance from it, aside. Then, kneeling down, and with his forehead to the ground, he prayed devoutly and fervently unto the Most High for deliverance. After a watch of the night had passed, a mysterious light appeared in the horizon, and the Sultan gave orders for the troops to be put in motion, and to follow him in the direction of the light. When the day broke, the Almighty God had conducted the army of Islam to a place where there was water, and all the Musalmans were delivered safely out of this impending danger.