In Section 6 of Jami's Silsilat al-Dhahab (from the Haft Awrang), Sultan Mahmud of Ghazna sends a message to the King of Rome to assert his political legitimacy and supreme authority despite his humble origins as the son of a slave.

Key Themes

• Legitimacy Over Lineage: Mahmud argues that his slave ancestry (bandeh-zadeh) does not undermine his sovereignty, as kingship is a divine gift validated by the ruler's capacity to govern rather than noble lineage.
• Absolute Authority and the Prevention of Oppression: A primary justification for Mahmud's rule is his establishment of strict order, ensuring that the strong cannot oppress the weak without direct sovereign command.
• Recognition of Governance by Rivals: Upon receiving the message, the King of Rome fairmindedly acknowledges that any ruler who possesses such absolute control and political capability (zabt o siyasat) is deserving of the subservience of other powerful rulers.