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Much confusion now came into people‟s minds as they tried to account
for my conduct. Those at a distance from Iraq supposed that it was due to
some apprehension I had of action by the government. On the other hand
those who were close to the governing circles and had witnessed how
eagerly and assiduously they sought me and how I withdrew from them and
showed no great regard for what they said, would say, `This is a
supernatural affair; it must be an evil influence which has befallen the
people of Islam and especially the circle of the learned.‟

I left Baghdad then. I distributed what wealth I had, retaining only as
much as would suffice myself and provide sustenance for my children. This
I could easily manage, as the wealth of Iraq was available for good works,
since it constitutes a trust fund for the benefit of the Muslims. Nowhere in
the world have I seen better financial arrangements to assist a scholar to
provide for his children.

In due course I entered Damascus, and there I remained for nearly two
years with no other occupation than the cultivation of retirement and
solitude, together with religious and abstinent exercises, as I busied myself