What the heck, I’ll just go ahead and write up what’s happened in my short reign.
I am Badis ibn Hubus ibn Maksan ibn Ziri, of the House of Zirid, Emir of Granada, Sheikh of Granada and Malaga. My father came unto this emirate when his uncle, my grandfather’s brother, died without issue. After he passed on the realm to me, I have tried to be a good steward to the land and its people, as Allah commands us to be.
I am getting to the end of my years and had been preparing my son Buluggin to rule when I finally pass on. When he died suddenly last year, I was bereft. The doctors say that his death was “of natural causes”, but I have my suspicions. Now my grandson Tamim shall inherit the emirate, and he is far too young to be saddled with such responsibility.
After much soul-searching, I have determined that my recent misfortunes are a sign from Allah that I must walk the pious path. I have therefore resolved to go on pilgrimage to Mecca, as the prophet commands us to do at least once in our life. I should have gone sooner but the obligations of running the emirate have always gotten in the way. Now it may be too late. Insha’Allah.
The journey will be long and frought with danger. I have appointed my Steward, Mayor Anaba of Guadix to act in my stead. I have also asked my Grand Vizier Az’ar to talk to the Sheikh of Almería, who has sworn fealty to the Hudid Emirate when by rights he should be my vassal.
1067
The hajj was indeed as arduous as predicted. We had to fight off pirates; the infidels gave me this new scar you see here. There were bandits on the road. I noticed bad water in a well that I warned my fellow pilgrims about. But I also met an old man who, in return for some bread, told me this hadith: “If people see an unjust person, and do not restrain him, Allah is very likely to seize them with retribution from Him.” And so Allah command us to justice and doing good.
At the Kabah itself, I and my fellow pilgrims did perform the Tawah. Seven circuits around the black stone shouting, “Allah is great! Praise be to Allah!” And we did perform the Eid al-Adha, as Ibrahim did sacrifice a lamb in place of his son Ishmael.
I have returned a changed man, truly humbled before Allah.
My grandson needs a mother, so I have determined to marry once again. After a long search, I found Najiba. While a humble woman, she has a deceitful streak that should serve to guide little Tamim through the intricacies of court life.
Towards the end of the year, my spymaster informs me that an attempt was made on the life of Abdallah, my other grandson, and that this attempt was authorized by none other than Emir an-Nasir of the Hammadid Emirate. By the prophet’s beard! What trespass could this innocent child have done against him? I authorize retribution, but the assassins fail to slay an-Nasir. Fortunately, my own involvement remains unknown.
1068
There is chaos in the land. The Emir of Mallorca has died and the Amirid Emirite has been replaced by the Shaheen Emirite. The Sheikh of Almansa has decided that he does not wish to be a part of the Shaheen. Perhaps he would rather be a part of my realm instead? I gather my troops to convince him of this.
While besieging the stronghold at Almansa, I receive word that the infidel in Barcelona has once again attacked the Hudid Emirate. As well, the infidel in Aragon has attacked the Dhunnunid Emirate. I need to find some way to turn this to my advantage.
Allah is great! I have a daughter! We name her Najiba, after her mother. There is still something left in these old bones.
1069
The conquest of Almansa continues apace. The stronghold has fallen and we are just mopping up in the city of Albacete. Soon the entire sheikhdom will -
By the grace of Allah, Emir Badis ibn Hubus of Granada has passed into paradise after a long and fruitful reign. His grandson Tamim ibn Buluggin now rules the emirate, under the regency of steward Anaba. Insh’Allah!