NOTWITHSTANDING that, owing to various causes, it has so happened, that no epistolary correspondence has hitherto taken place between us, yet having, at this time, heard from the lips* of Bâl Mukn Doss, of your highness’s* laudable qualities, and [particularly] of your courteousness, eminent courage, and political knowledge; my friendly mind* has derived therefrom the highest satisfaction and most abundant delight. Hence, agreeably to [the saying], “that all true believers are “brethren,” the fervor of religious affection* has moved me [to the present attempt] to form an intimate and amicable connexion [with you].
The manner in which your friend [or I] punished the Nazarenes is so well known as not to require any [further] statement. No doubt you must have learned all the details [thereof] from common report.* I am now employed in chastising certain Musulman rulers; who, engaging in measures contrary to the rules of Islâm [or the institutes of the faith], are become the allies and supporters of the reprobate* infidels. In consequence hereof, I have lately caused to be drawn up and dispatched to all quarters, an abstract of God’s ordinances, and of the commands of his Prophet [on this article]; of which a copy is enclosed for your perusal. It is requisite, for the support of [our] religion, that all Musulmans should unite together; and, considering the annihilation of infidels as a sacred duty, labour, to the utmost of their power, to accomplish that object: to the end that the Ahmedy faith may, day by day, acquire fresh lustre; that the weakness of the empire of Hindostan may be changed for efficient dominion and power; that the abominations of the wicked may find neither habitation nor retreat* within the kingdoms of his Majesty (the Shadow of the Divinity), who is the chief of the vicegerents of Mahommed; and [finally] that the rulers of Islâm may not be put to the blush* before the holy Prophet, on whom be the peace and blessing of God!
In token of my cordial regard [for you], I have written to Moal Chund and Soojân Râe, desiring them to deliver you a [complimentary] dress, which you must do me the pleasure to accept. You must, likewise, constantly make me happy, by the receipt of your delightful epistles.