of necessity, he had to renounce the idea.

of necessity, he had to renounce the idea." [^57] No doubt, an event involving a natural disaster had made its impact on the minds of people, including the learned, some of whom were protagonists of the Abbasid caliphate. Husam al-Din, the astrologer, who was himself a close associate of Hulagu Khan - and probably closer to him than the Khwajah - also had a similar belief.

The discussion that took place between him, Hulagu Khan and the Khwajah was one which dragged the Khwajah's foot into the matter. This anecdote subsequently led to accusing the Khwajah of inciting the execution of the caliph. Rashid al Din writes: "Hulagu Khan consulted about his intended march (to Baghdad) with the courtiers and high officials. Everyone said something according to his opinion.

Husim al-Din, the astrologer, who had accompanied him at the behest of the Great Khan to determine the times of mounting and dismounting was called. Hulagu asked him to report whatever the stars revealed, without any deceit. Since proximity had afforded him temerity, he said right away to the king that it would not be auspicious to make a move against the Abbasids and to make an armed expedition into Baghdad.

To date every ruler that had moved against the Abbasids and Baghdad had been denied the boon of life and kingdom.

If the king would not listen and carry out his intention, six evils would manifest themselves: first, all his horses will die and the soldiers taken ill; second, the sun will not rise; third, there will be no rain; fourth, sandstorms will appear and the world will be devastated by an earthquake; fifth, vegetation will not sprout up from the ground; and Effects of the Khwajah's Presence Among the Mongols: sixth, the great king will die in, that year.

Halagu Khan wanted proof for what he had predicted. The poor man made an unconvincing effort. The courtiers and the nobles present said that going to Baghdad was quite opportune and expedient. Then Hulagu asked Khwajah Nasir al-Din to be brought and spoke with him. With a misgiving that he was being tested, the Khwajah opined that none of these predictions would come true. Asked further about the proposed undertaking, the Khwajah said that Hulagu Khan will take the place of the caliph.

Husim al-Din was called to debate with the Khwajah. The Khwajah said that according to the consensus of adherents of Islam many of the major attained martyrdom and it did not cause any evil consequence.