As for my role in preparing this edition: I adopted this manuscript as the base copy and corrected its errors by referring to the author’s wording in his other works. I then vocalised every paragraph, refined the phrasing, numbered the sections consecutively, and supplied subheadings. I documented each Qur’an verse in the margin, traced the hadiths and early reports, and indicated their respective levels of authenticity or weakness. I also inserted a number of important annotations—most of them drawn from Shaykh al-Islam’s other writings—and consulted several works of fiqh. In addition, I compiled indices for the Qur’an verses, hadiths, reports, and subjects. I have striven to the extent of my ability and strength. I ask Allah, Exalted is He, to make this work purely for His sake and to protect us from trials, both evident and hidden; He is the All-Hearing, the Ever-Responsive. There is no might nor power except with Allah; He is sufficient for us and the best trustee.

Ismaʿiliyya, 11 Muharram 1422 AH
Abu Muhammad Ashraf b. ʿAbd al-Maqsud—may Allah forgive him