The Khwajah's Influence Over Hulagu...

The Khwajah's Influence Over Hulagu: As stated earlier, the Khwajah had not acquired any considerable influence over Hulagu in the beginning; this fact has been noted by some researchers. [^67] For when the Mongols attacked Baghdad, both the Shiis and the Sunnis were equally adversely affected. [^68] Dr. Shaybi has also remarked that the common fate of the Shiis and the Sunnis in the sack of Baghdad refutes any charges of a prior arrangement.

[^69] It is notable that the shrine of al-'Imam Musa al Kadim (A) was also burnt down. [^70] However, gradually over a length of time, the Khwajah won the favour of the Mongol khan who assigned him several duties, including the supervision of the awqaf (endowments). [^71] Furthermore, administration of the affairs of the city of Tus were also entrusted to him. [^72] For a time he was appointed as yarguchi (prosecutor) at the sole court of the Mongol regime.

[^73] During the siege of Baghdad, the Khwajah was once sent by Hulagu as an emissary to the caliph. [^74] Later, he became responsible for the construction of an observatory for Hidagu.

[^75] Finally, the Khwajah's influence became so much that, according to Ibn Shakir: "Khwajah Nasir held an exalted position and was held in; high esteem by Hulagu, inasmuch as whatever he asked of the latter was carried out and the requisite expenditure was provided." [^76] The Khwajah was a trustworthy man and, as such, was naturally relied upon to a great extent by Hulagu Khan.

Shams al-Din ibn Mu'ayyad al-'Ardi says: "The Khwajah carried out the work of the ministry for Hulagu without any embezzlement.

He dominated the mind of Hulagu to such an extent that the latter would never ride a horse or go on a journey without his approval." [^77] Among the most important tasks he took up were those which pertained to libraries, revival of Islamic sciences, and training of scholars, in which he accomplished his purpose to an extent unexpected by the side of the destruction brought about by the Mongols and amazing for the period of their supremacy.

He collected and set up a library of four hundred thousand books, out of the destroyed libraries of Baghdad, Syria, al-Jazirah and elsewhere. [^78] While he administered the awqaf properties, he spent a tenth of the income to cover the cost of construction of an observatory and the expenses of the scholars working there. Moreover, the benefits of the income reached all Muslims, especially the Alawids and Shiis.