Letter: T-S NS 306.235

Description

Fragment of a private letter reporting the death of an individual named Najm al-Dawla (probably a state official based on the title), followed by conventional expressions of grief and reflections on the hardship of separation and the transience of worldly life (فما تسوا الدنيا للفرقة ولا الحياة للموت). The writer then turns to practical matters concerning a sāqiya (water wheel) together with 'my brother' and Ṣāfī, stating that he is preparing a "fully equipped" installation (ساقية مكملة العدة), and expects to complete the work within the next two days (في هذا اليومين). He further refers to the place formerly occupied by Najm al-Dawla (الموضع الذي كان فيه نجم الدولة), remarking that it should not be neglected (لا يفرط) and mentioning the possibility of carrying out additional work to the east (qibla) and west of the site. The verso preserves greetings addressed to Abū ʿAbd Allāh Muḥammad and those under his care. There are also jottings in Arabic, mainly basmalas, and a few words.