482 appendix 2
... He punished them as necessary. Badness is appropriate for him with bad
ways.3 Şeyhoğlu Mustafa (See Chapter 1)
From Kenzü’l-küberâ ve mehekkü’l-ulemâ (“Treasure of the great and touchstone of the
learned”):3
And know that there are three situations for the sultan: the first situation
concerns his relation with his soul; the second concerns his relation with his
subjects; and the third situation concerns his relation with his God. All three
situations have been ordered for the sultans; this means that in each of these
situations he must strive for justice, generosity, and granting things to the desti-
tute, while also abstaining from immoral and inappropriate acts and from injus-
tice. For the first situation, i.e. between the ruler and his own soul: it is that he
imposes monotheism on himself and keeps his hands and feet and body, which
were granted to him (by God), within their limits, carrying out the sacred duties
and the well-established practices; for instance, fighting with his (own) self and
watching his heart.
The second situation is between the sultan and his subjects ... He must show
justice and equity amongst the people, not oppress them, and take care so the
strong do not oppress the weak; the powerful should not impose weights on the
needy ... He must help the poor and those who have a family with charity and ali-
monies; he must take action to do good to those coming and going ... He should
care for the rights of the peasants, because the subjects are to the sultan like rela-
tives or even his own household.4 Sinan Pasha (See Chapter 1)
From Ma’ârifnâme (“The book of knowledge”):4
The order of the world and arrangement of the universe is secured by respecting
the rights (ordained) among men, so they are always protected from one an-
other. People are joined to each other; and the businesses of some are entrusted
to others. Benefits and assistance must be borrowed from each other at all times;
one should not prevent another’s help. Everybody must strive to benefit from3 Şeyhoğlu – Yavuz 1991, 66–67, 69–71, 82.
4 Sinan Paşa – Tulum 2013, 368–370 and 724–728. The original is in verse.