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History of Islam Vol 3 of 3 by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi

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Civil Wars after Sultan the Conqueror 467<br />

their bravery. During the rule <strong>of</strong> Sultan Qalzu Ghazi a European came<br />

with a gun and told him that it would be wise to distribute guns<br />

among the Mamluk soldiers. But the Sultan and his courtiers said in<br />

one voice that even the holding <strong>of</strong> a gun was an act <strong>of</strong> utter disgrace<br />

for them. The European then remarked before the open court that you<br />

would one day lose the rule <strong>of</strong> Egypt to the guns and you have won<br />

victory only at gunpoint. 1 believe that guns cannot become the basis<br />

<strong>of</strong> victory<br />

in<br />

or defeat; swords and arrows can play a more effective role<br />

warfare. We have been affected only because Allah Almighty has<br />

decided so.<br />

But your rule will also come to an end one day. Dynasties<br />

also have their limited age on this earth like men. Never think that<br />

you have achieved victory because you are more valiant". Thereupon<br />

Sultan Salim said,<br />

"Why have you been produced before me as a<br />

captive if you are so brave?" Qarat Bey replied, "By Allah, I don't<br />

consider myself as a captive. I have come here <strong>of</strong> my own and <strong>by</strong><br />

trusting you. I am, therefore, quite free." The exchange <strong>of</strong> words<br />

between Salim and Qarat Bey had reached this point when Qarat Bey<br />

noticed Khairi Bey who was then among the supporters <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Ottoman ruler. He turned to Khairi Bey and condemned him in the<br />

strongest possible words. He then said addressing Sultan Salim, "He<br />

(Khairi) deserves to have his head cut <strong>of</strong>f and thus punishing him for<br />

his guilt otherwise he will carry you to Hell also". On hearing this<br />

Sultan Salim feU in wrath and said,<br />

"I had decided to entrust some<br />

important military position to you. But you have violated the dignity<br />

<strong>of</strong> the royal court and behaved impertinently. You are perhaps,<br />

unaware that<br />

anyone who behaves rudely in the royal court deserves<br />

disgrace and punishment." Qarat Bey replied fearlessly "May Allah<br />

not bring me the day that I am employed <strong>by</strong> you and become one <strong>of</strong><br />

your supporters."<br />

Hearing this Sultan Salim grew furious and called his executioners At<br />

this Qarat Bey said, "What's the use <strong>of</strong> cutting <strong>of</strong>f my head when<br />

thousands <strong>of</strong> brave men are after your head, and Tuman Bey is also<br />

alive and working hard to take revenge on you"? However, when the<br />

executioners came and got ready to behead him he turned to Khairi Bey<br />

and said, "Come and cany my head and put it in the lap <strong>of</strong> your wife."<br />

These words were coming out <strong>of</strong> his Ups when his head was cut <strong>of</strong>f.

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