 The manipulation of the emirate [ sic ] by Al Muhanna for such a long time was the result of their ability to serve the interests of the Mamluk state more than any other clan . Their prestige was such that they were able to maintain peace and order among the tribes and — what was much more important — to secure the safety of the hajj and trade routes . That is why the sultans of Egypt and their provincial governors ( sing. na 'ib ) in Damascus and Aleppo tried always to keep them under control and use every possible way to bring them back under the authority of the sultanate when they revolted , because their remaining outside Mamluk authority would lead to continuous threats to the state 's interests , the outcome of which would be the attacking and looting of the trade caravans , the disruption of the hajj , and considerable damage to the countryside . 
