(CE:1228a-1228b)
HIBAT-ALLAH ‘ABD-ALLAH IBN SA‘ID AL-DAWLAH AL-QIBTI, fourteenth-century Copt who converted to Islam. The sources do not give us any clear details about his acceptance of Islam. His career in government took him from the post of nazar al-dawawin (secretary of finance) at the end of the reign of Sultan al-Nasir Muhummad ibn Qalawun to that of nazar al-dawlah (secretary of state). He then filled the office of nazar al-khass (secretary of war) after the dismissal of Jamal al-Kufah, another Copt turned Muslim. On the dismissal of Ibn Zunbur, likewise a Copt who had embraced Islam, he occupied the post of vizier together with Nasir al-Din ibn al-Muhassini, who bore the title mushir (councillor).
He was a noted Arabic calligrapher. In private life, he took care of the poor and needy. The sources indicate that he distinguished himself for his incorruptibility and high moral standards. He married a concubine of Sultan al-Salih Isma‘il, a black woman called Ittifaq. His friends told of his great love for this woman. He died in April or May 1354.
SUBHI Y. LABIB
