[Footnote 217: Reland explains the general restraints of the
Mahometan policy and jurisprudence, (Dissertat. tom. iii. p.
16 - 20.) The oppressive edicts of the caliph Motawakkel,
(A.D. 847 - 861,) which are still in force, are noticed by
Eutychius, (Annal. tom. ii. p. 448,) and D'Herbelot,
(Bibliot. Orient. p. 640.) A persecution of the caliph Omar
II. is related, and most probably magnified, by the Greek
Theophanes (Chron p. 334.)]