If it is claimed that the Abbasids' is a special case...

If it is claimed that the Abbasids' is a special case, one may recall Tahir who came from Khorasan under orders of al-Ma'mun and killed his brother, Muhammad al Amin. Also al-Mutawakkil was killed by his son in league with the commanders. Likewise al-Muntasir and al-Mu'tazz were murdered by their commanders and slaves.

In the same way several other caliphs had been killed by someone or oilier and yet no evil consequence had resulted." [^58] Another narration similar to the above has come down from Ibn al-Tiqtaqa, although in it the precedents cited by the Khwajah are those of Ali ibn Abi Talib (A) and al-Husayn ibn Ali (A). [^59] Minhaj Siraj, too, has reported the incident without mentioning any answer to the astrologer's threats to Hulagu Khan in the event of his killing the caliph.

He merely cites the statements of Badr al-Din Lu' Lu', king of Mosul, who with other unbelievers told Hulagu that if the caliph remained alive, all the Muslims amongst the soldiers as well as other people would set out to rescue the caliph and kill Hulagu Khan.

[^60] Actually, such a consultation - even if it had occurred, with the Khwajah giving his opinion - came at a time when Hulagu Khan had already made up his mind, to the extent that he was not prepared to pay heed to Husam al-Din, who was appointed by his brother as his aid-decamp to determine the propitious times of mounting and dismounting.' Even if it is assumed to be true, it cannot be taken as any evidence that the Khwajah incited Hulagu Khan to attack Baghdad.

This is so especially because the Khwajah had a misgiving of being tested in the process, which in itself represented a great risk for himself. After all, subsequently, Husam al-Din was executed for his voicing ominous predictions which turned out to be untrue. [^61] Hulagu Khan, however, evidenced a measure of caution when he ordered that "the caliph be wrapped up in a cloth and his blessed body be kicked until he died." [^62] Dr. Ha'iri has commented on the foregoing report.

Apart from the points already mentioned, he points out that: (1) the Mongol khan had been assigned the execution of this task by his brother; (2) a philosopher like the Khwajah could not have confirmed such superstitious beliefs;(3) according to Rashid al-Din's report Hulagu did not want to hear any words of opposition; and (4) the Khwajah's opinion that nothing other than Hulagu's succeeding the caliph would be the outcome' of the latter's move was an undeniable reality. Dr.