The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 499
498 Ā'ĪNA-E-KAMĀLĀT-E-ISLĀM―DĀFI‘UL-WASĀWIS because they intended to inhabit it with the company of Muslims from their relatives, thereby being able to help one another and safeguarding themselves against enemies, and in case of any wrong done to them, they could defend themselves. They dwelled therein, became masters of the land, thrived greatly, and were blessed. All of this transpired during the reign of the kings of the Mughal Empire who were of the same stock. At that time, the King named 'Babar' held the throne of authority. He was among those who would honour and respect the nobles. Accordingly, he honoured and respected them and granted them many towns, making them rulers, landowners, chief landlords, and leaders of this part of the territory, possessed of great wealth. Therefore, they continued to prosper gradu- ally, and increased in possessions, lands, and ranks. Despite their glory and prosperity, they remained righteous and would tread in the ways of goodness. At the time of their glory, the face of Islam radiated brightly in their subjects and peoples. They were so pious that their subjects would humbly submit to them. They would aspire to doing good deeds and acts of charity, would hold fast to the Book of Allah, would help the religion of Allah, and would aid those afflicted with hardship in the way of truth. But after this time, the state of the Islamic rule underwent a change. Disorder and decay penetrated into it so that the corrupt kings would be smitten with humiliation and severe punishment by Allah, on account of their negligence of the limits fixed by Allah, and their transgression. They were driven into different factions attacking each other, murdering one another, and breeding dissension. They completely abandoned virtue and morality, inclined towards what was against righteousness, and transgressed in their actions. There ceased to be anyone among them who behaved with goodness and compassion for the helpless. Rather, they began to punish each other with swords, and intended to deci- mate their rivals and destroy their brothers, elders, and ancestors, so that each would become the sole ruler over any competitor. Most of them used to commit sins, satisfy evil desires, forsake