Letter: Moss. II,162.2

Description

Nearly complete letter in Judaeo-Arabic regarding a political conflict within the Jewish community, in which the parties have recourse to the government. Mainly in Judaeo-Arabic. Dating: 13th or 14th century. The handwriting is reminiscent of the later Maimonidean Nagids. The writer inquires if Ibn al-Rifʿa (conceivably the famous jurist) is home, and if so, he should take the tawqīʿ (signed decision) and bring it to a certain official named al-Sayfī. Then, people should gather together and call for help (yughawwithū) at al-Sayfī's gate. The remainder is rather obscure and mentions the governor (wālī) of Fustat, who may have refused to talk to anybody until he had personally met with al-Sayfī. Needs further examination. ASE.