(17) (In sum) study that (i.

(17) (In sum) study that (i.e., the selection of judges) with thorough consideration, for this religion was a prisoner in the hands of the wicked, who acted with it out of caprice and used it to seek (the pleasures of) the present world. (18) To be continued! NOTES: ___________________________ 1. The secretaries (Kuttab) are “those who are in charge of the ruler’s own affairs and who write letters for him to his administrators and commanders.

They take care of making arrangements and running the government administration (diwan)” (Ibn Abi-l-Hadid, vol. I7, p. 76). 2. Qudat al-adl, i.e. judges. 3. Administrators (‘Ummal) are government officials concerned with the affairs of “the general public, alms, religious endowments, the common interest, etc.” (Ibn Abi-l-Hadid, vol. I7, p. 69). For the meaning of the term ‘Amil (singular of ‘Ummal) throughout Islamic history see the Encyclopedia of Islam (new edition), vol. I, p. 435. 4.