تحفة النظار في غرايب الامصار وعجايب الاسفار 12.12.1

12.12.1

I shall mention of these only what I was present at, witnessed and saw with my own eyes, and God Most High knows the truth of what I say, and He suffices as witness. Moreover, what I relate is widely known and attested by many, and the lands near the land of Hind, such as Yemen, Khurāsān and Fārs, are full of reports of him which they know to be true, especially his generosity to foreigners, for he prefers them to the people of Hind, favours them, lavishes benefactions on them, showers them with gifts, appoints them to high offices and grants them great presents. Among his kindnesses to them is that he named them the aʿizza (honoured ones) and forbade that they be called foreigners, saying: "When a man is called a foreigner, his heart is broken and his state is changed." I shall mention, God Most High willing, some of what can be counted of his abundant gifts and presents.