Chapter One, The Departure from the City of Peace Summary

The chapter begins with an invocation to Allah and an introduction of the author, Ibn Fadlan. Ibn Fadlan gives his full name and station. He does not linger on details but comes directly to the point by telling the reader that a letter has arrived from Yiltawar, King of the Saqaliba. The letter requests someone be sent who can instruct him in the ways of Islam and help him establish a mosque. The Caliph of Bagdad chooses Ibn Fadlan for the task and Ibn Fadlan tells why he is chosen.

Ibn Fadlan's style of narration does not leave room for extraneous details. He tells the reader exactly what they need to know and no more. Ibn Fadlan lists the items gathered to take to the King and...