Document of Appointment of a Jewish Leader

In the name of God the merciful and compassionate.

Through our praiseworthy conduct, our impeccable ways, our upright courses and our noble support, through which we have increased in [our own] distinction and the distinction [we have conferred upon others], by which we have attained the utmost glory, outstripping and rising above [all others], by which our fame has travelled far and wide, gathering a mighty following and strong adherents—[through all this] have we put what is lost in the most fertile place of planting, distinguished our supporters in the most noble position, and conferred upon our followers, the servants of our régime, the adherents of our service and those who conform to the conduct of our élite staff, whose services have come to our attention and whose covenants of protection have been insured by us, that which showers upon them the gift of benefaction, brings to them directly the gift of kindness and honour, increases them in loftiness by [granting them] strength of perception and power of vision, raises their positions before their [i.e. the leader’s subjects] eyes and joins their noble ones with the select and distinguished. Since you, Oh Šayḫ the most elevated, unique and distinguished leader, trust of the kingdom, upright servant of the régime, support of rulers, pride of administrators, beauty of leaders, Abū l-Ma‘ālī ‘Abdallāh son of the trusted Šayḫ Abū l-Riḍā son of Farḥ, may God continue to guard you, and grant you power, success and support,—[since] your position and standing with us have become strengthened and your place and station with us have been confirmed, and I am grateful for your allegiance to us and your faithful service to us,—your actions, both past and present, have given cause for your being granted the favour of being promoted to the position which is appropriate for you and being endowed with the post which corresponds to your station, conferring upon you distinction over your peers and companions, entitling you to that which clearly expresses the respect you are held in and preparing you, [an office which] will leave its mark [of distinction] on you for a long time to come and pass on to your progeny the pride of your rule: The leadership of the community of the Jews and their sects, the Rabbanites, Karaites and Samaritans in Damascus, the protected city, of all Syria, and al-Salṭ together with its district. We have placed you at the head of the people of your community and of the local leaders of your sect, every one, whether near or far, of low or high social status. So assume this [office] happily, gladly, with firm resolution, determination and reliability, following your predecessors in this office with regard to the execution of judgements, the equitable treatment of the élite and the common people, the administering of justice to both the weak and the strong and the taking to task of both the poor and the rich; seeing to judgements which your community requires in connection with marriage, circumcision, alms and rulings, and the execution of this in the necessary and prescribed way, for you are a guide for the community as is the head for the body below it, if it [the head] is sound, it [the body] is sound, but if it [the head] is corrupt, it [the body] is corrupt. So look into their affairs with your judicious vision and apply yourself to that which coming generations will praise you for. Set right whomsoever needs to be set right and discipline whomsoever deserves to be disciplined. Put whomsoever you consider to be in the wrong in a place which is appropriate to him but keep whomsoever you trust and have confidence in and whose views you feel in accord with. It is the duty of these communal groups to recognise your position, obey your word, follow your example and guidance, accept your commands and your prohibitions and carry out whatever you recommend, prescribe or impose upon them with regard to prevention, regulation, correction and discipline. The governors, amīr-s, deputies and other officers—may God give them strength—shall take steps to help you, assist you, grant you and support you. The noble signature at the top of it [= this document] is a proof of the necessity of [obeying] it, if God wills. A gracious injunction was written in ǧumādā¹ I of the year 589.

Praise is [due] to God alone.

It was communicated to the public in raǧab of the said year.

Source: CUL T-S Ar.38.93.