APPENDICES 339 



some of our ekhwan [brothers] in order to remind them of God 

 and teach them what God and his Prophet have ordained and guide 

 them rightly. We decided to do this because it is our profession 

 [mission] for which God has put us, i.e. to remind the neghgent, 

 teach the ignorant and guide him who has gone astray. But at 

 that time we were in the sacred "Haramain" [Mecca]. When we 

 arrived in these parts we occupied ourselves with guiding the peo- 

 ple to the paths of God and we did not find anyone of your country 

 with whom to send those who would teach people this religion. 



Now our sons of Zawaya, who are the inhabitants of Tazerr, 

 which you know, have come to us and repented and asked us to 

 build a zawia at the mentioned Tazerr.* Our intention is to be- 

 come your neighbours and teach you and your sons of the Book of 

 God and the tradition his Prophet, Mohammed. May God's 

 prayers and peace be on him ! Also we intend to make peace be- 

 tween you and the Arabs who invade you and take your sons and 

 your money. In doing this we will be enacting what God has said, 

 "If two parties of believers fight, make peace between them." 

 Also his saying, "Fear God, make peace between one another and 

 obey God and His Prophet if you are believers." He also said, 

 "Give an order for alms or a good deed or making peace between 

 people. He who does this for the sake of pleasing God will gain 

 a great reward." 



In this way there will be co-operation for doing good and for 

 piety, as God has ordained by saying, "Co-operate for doing good 

 and for piety and do not co-operate for vice and assault." The 

 Prophet said, "People of God, be brethren and help one another in 

 religion." 



As to rebellion and dispute, no good comes out of them and 

 God has forbidden them in his dear Book by saying, "Do not dis- 

 pute or you will fail and be dispersed ; be patient, for God is with 

 the patient." 



Inshallah, if you obey our orders and accept our advice, then a 

 few of our sons will come to you to teach your sons the Book of 

 God, and your men the tradition and ways of His Prophet. You 

 will then not fear anyone and you will have much of God's bounty 

 and mercy, Inshallah. 



Give our salutation and this letter of ours to all who are round 

 you, those who wish for the obedience of God and His Prophet and 

 who wish to follow the Book and the Tradition. 

 * Tazerr was the old name for Kuf ara. 



