The author accuses the Persians of extreme cruelty toward other Muslims. According to him, their books and teachings justify actions such as pillaging, burning, and destroying Muslim lands. They are said to enslave women and families, sometimes exposing them naked in markets for sale, all out of malice and disdain. Such behavior is described as immoral and indecent.
The writer claims that because of these acts, the Persians are considered mortal enemies of the Muslims, even more cruel than other groups such as the Sezidi, the Kiafirs, the Zindiks, and the Durzians. In his view, while a Christian or Jew could potentially become a true believer, the Persians are beyond hope due to their alleged corruption and wickedness Daily Ephesus Tours .
Religious Justification for Violence
The text asserts that, by divine authority received from the Prophet Mahomet, it is lawful for true believers to fight, kill, and destroy Persians. The writer compares this act to killing a rebellious Christian, which is described as meritorious in the sight of God. In his reasoning, killing a Persian brings seventy times the reward because of their supposed wrongdoing and disbelief.
This extreme view presents the Persians as an enemy not just to one group, but to all Muslims, and it portrays violence against them as a religious duty. The author envisions a final judgment in which God punishes the Persians severely, comparing their fate to that of the Jews in hell.
Threat of Extermination
Finally, the text predicts that the Persians will be destroyed by Muslims and their allies, including the Tartars, Indians, and Arabians, who share the same faith. This idea of collective action is framed as both religiously justified and morally necessary in the author’s view. The language emphasizes total eradication, showing how deeply political, ethnic, and religious conflicts were intertwined in this historical context.
In short, this passage portrays the Persians as extreme enemies of Islam, using religious arguments to justify violence against them. It highlights the intense sectarian conflicts of the period, where religion, politics, and military action were closely linked. While the text is harsh and intolerant, it reflects the mindset and beliefs of certain historical actors regarding heresy, rebellion, and divine justice.