Introduction
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In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may Allah bless our master Muhammad the Prophet, his pure family, and all his Companions.

Judge Abu Shujaʿ Ahmad ibn al-Husayn ibn Ahmad al-Isfahani—may Allah have mercy on him—said: Some friends of mine—may Allah preserve them—asked me to compose a concise manual of jurisprudence according to the school of Imam al-Shafiʿi—may Allah be pleased with him—with the utmost brevity, so that the learner might find its study manageable and the beginner might find it easy to memorize. They also requested that I multiply its divisions and enumerate its points. I therefore acceded to their request, seeking reward and hoping that Allah Most High will grant success to what is correct; surely He is able to do whatever He wills, and He is gentle and fully aware of His servants.