and their purification. But I say, God has spoken the truth in His saying: "And of mankind is he who worships God as it were on the verge: if good befalls him, he is reassured by it. But if a trial befalls him, he turns on his face. He loses this world and the hereafter." [Quran 22:11]. If you had been firm and certain in your faith, you would have considered what you have suffered as mercy from God, and as a trial from God, and that what is with God is better. If you had obeyed your Lord, you would not have been deceived by the disbelievers. For the master of the messengers, peace be upon him, said: "No one has been afflicted like I have been afflicted." And if you had been afflicted with hunger, burdens, nakedness, and poverty, you would have known that this is little compared to what you seek with God, and you would have said, "What is the victory with God?" when God Almighty says: "Seek assistance through patience and prayer; indeed, God is with the patient." [Quran 2:153]. To the end of His saying: "Those are upon guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful." [Quran 2:157]. So you turned away from God and did not believe His word. God Almighty has said: "So turn away from whoever turns away from Our remembrance and does not desire except worldly life. That is the extent of their knowledge from the world." [Quran 53:29-30]. This is your abode in this world and your deserving fate. As for killing, we intended to purify you and expiate your sins through imprisonment, hardship, and neglect, so that you may be among the honored, the truthful in seeking the great, lasting favors with God. When you attain that, you will praise God for whatever discipline increases upon you, for in the abundance of trials there is no good, nor is there good in this world or its fleeting pleasures that you regret leaving. When you receive my answer, your matter will be clarified to God. Await the good that is with God, and turn away from this world and what is in it. The year 1300. May you attain complete satisfaction and peace.

This is a copy of another letter.

To the esteemed and noble one.

Praise be to God, the Kind, the Generous, and prayers be upon our master Muhammad and his family, with peace.