A Traveler's Narrative
page 89
consciences and beliefs of peoples, and persecution of diverse
denominations of men is an obstacle to the expansion of the
kingdom, an impediment to the conquest of other countries,
an obstruction to multiplication of subjects, and contrary to
the established principles of monarchy. In the time when the
mighty government of Persia did not interfere with [men's]
consciences, diverse sects entered in and abode beneath the
banner of the great king, and [many] different peoples reposed
and served under the shadow of that mighty government's
protection. The extent of the empire increased from day to
day; the greater portion of the continent of Asia was under the
just rule of its administration; and the majority of the different
religions and races were [represented] amongst the subjects of
him who wore its crown. But when the custom of interference
with the creeds of all sects arose, and the principle of inquiring
into men's thoughts became the fashion and practice, the
extensive dominions of the empire of Persia diminished, and
many provinces and vast territories passed out of her hands,
until it reached such a point that the great provinces of Túrán,
Assyria, and Chaldea were lost; until--what need of prolixity?
--the greater part of the regions of Khurásán likewise
passed out of the control of the government of Persia by reason
of the interference with matters of conscience and the fanaticism
of its governors. For the cause of the Afghan independency
and the revolt of the Turcoman tribes was in truth this
thing, else were they at no time or period separate from Persia.
In face of its evident harmfulness what necessity is there for
persecuting the harmless? But if we desire to put in force the
sentence [of the doctors of religion] no one will escape fetters
and chains and the keenness of the sword, for in Persia, apart
from this sect, there exist diverse sects, such as the
Mutásharrís, the Shaykhís, the Súfís, the Nusayris, and
others, each one of whom regards the other as infidels and
accuses them of crime. Under these circumstances what need
that the government should persecute this one or that one, or
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