Wasitat al-suluk fi siyasat al-muluk

Summary

Wassitat al-Suluk fi Siyasat al-Muluk is a treatise on political theory belonging to the genre of Islamic mirrors for princes. The work was written by Sultan Abu Hammu II, the ruler of the Kingdom of Tlemcen between 1359 and 1389 CE. The exact date of the book's composition is not precisely known, but it is likely that it was written between 1364 and 1376. This ruler succeeded in regaining control of Tlemcen, which had been under the control of his rivals, the Marinids, and in restoring the territories that had once been under the authority of his Zayyanid ancestors. The book is also one of the few available primary sources documenting the reign of the Zayyanids in the central Maghreb. The book contains a series of political advice and recommendations from Sultan Abu Hammu II to his son and heir, Abu Tachfin II, as well as to other princes and kings. The author addresses essential themes such as the ethics of governance, justice, wisdom, courage, generosity, and insight. He also discusses the pillars of state management, such as the military, ministers, jurists, finances, etc., asserting that his book and the advice it contains are the foundation necessary for the success of any reign.