Muhammad al-Fatih's will before his death
Mehmed the Conqueror's will to his son Bayezid II on his deathbed is a true expression of his approach to life, and the values and principles he believed in and hoped his successors would follow. He said in it: "Here I am dying, but I am not sorry to leave behind a successor like you. Be just, good and merciful, extend your protection to your subjects without discrimination, and work to spread the Islamic religion, for this is the duty of kings on earth. Prioritize concern for religious matters above all else, and do not slacken in adhering to it. Do not employ people who do not care about religion, do not avoid major sins and indulge in obscenity. Avoid corrupting innovations, and distance yourself from those who incite you to them. Expand the country through jihad and protect the public treasury's funds from being dissipated. Do not extend your hand to the money of any of your subjects except in accordance with the right of Islam. Guarantee the livelihood of the needy, and give your honor to those who deserve it."
Since scholars are the power that pervades the body of the state, honor and encourage them. If you hear of one of them in another country, bring him to you and honor him with money.
Beware, beware, do not be deceived by money or soldiers. Beware of alienating the people of Sharia from your door, and beware of inclining toward any action that contradicts the rulings of Sharia, for religion is our goal, and guidance is our method, and with that we are victorious.
Take this lesson from me: I came to this country as a small ant, and God Almighty gave me these great blessings. So adhere to my path, follow my example, and work to strengthen this religion and respect its people. Do not spend the state’s money on luxury or entertainment, and do not spend more than necessary, because that is one of the greatest causes of destruction.”

From my book Unforgettable Leaders
To Major Tamer Badr