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And when you have done that, do not let the words of your leaders deceive you, for the Turks whom they killed doubted God Almighty and said, "O our Lord, you have killed us without warning." So say, "O Lord, warn them," and He will be pleased with that. Witness, the Master of Existence, may God bless him and grant him peace, said to Imam Al-Mahdi, "Warn them, and they will hear you." And when you hear the words of your leaders, you will blame yourselves. Some of them turned to others, blaming each other. Those who were weakened said to those who were arrogant, "If it were not for you, we would have been believers." Those who were arrogant said to those who were weakened, "Did we prevent you from the Mahdi after he came to you? Rather, you were criminals. So if you have repentance, believe in God and His Messenger, and the Hereafter, and believe in our Mahdi, and go out to us." And he said, "And if you do not believe, then wait, and we too will wait with you." And he said, "And do not be deceived by cannons and gunpowder, for you will be killed. And the Master of Existence has informed you of what has preceded you." And peace.
In the year ... AH.
Two messengers arrived with their messenger, carrying books and a gift, which was a cloak, a turban, a belt, and a cap made of a type of cloth called "Damur," made in Sudan. It is of a lower quality than the type made in Egypt for sailing ships. When the two messengers arrived at Khartoum, they drew their swords. The officer at the gate of the fortress ordered them to sheathe them, but they did not obey. So Gordon ordered them to be guarded until they reached the palace. The people of Khartoum, including boys and rabble, attacked them with stones. They were injured and entered upon Gordon. He said to them, "Peace be upon those who follow guidance." He handed them the books and the gift. He did not look at the gift, but became angry and kicked it with his foot, saying, "Goodness." Then he looked at the books and kept the two messengers at the door of the palace. He then wrote a letter to the Mahdi, in which he said, "I call you to God, and you call me to war. I call you to the shedding of blood."
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