Matthee claimed "this is hardly surprising", given that the Safavid army was weak at the time and the Shah himself was famous for his unassertive nature.[2] Unlike most of his predecessors, Sultan Husayn actively encouraged pilgrims to visit the Shi'ite holy shrines in Iraq, which they did in unprecedented numbers.[2] Husayn was also willing to spend the resources of the Safavid state for the upkeep of the shrines in Iraq.[2]