As for the steps I followed in editing the text:
I adopted this manuscript as the base copy, correcting its errors and omissions by consulting the author’s own words in his other works.
I then supplied full diacritical marks throughout, smoothed the phrasing, numbered the paragraphs consecutively, and added side-headings.
Next, I located every Qur’an verse—placing the citation beside each one—and traced the hadiths and reports, indicating their rank in terms of acceptance or rejection.
I also inserted a number of important notes, most of them drawn from Shaykh al-Islām’s other books, together with references from works of jurisprudence.
Further, I prepared indices of the verses, hadiths, reports, and subjects. I have done my utmost in all of this within the limits of my ability and strength.
I ask Allah, Exalted is He, to grant victory to Islam, to safeguard the Muslims’ frontiers, and to include us among the steadfast watchmen who patiently persevere. He is the best Patron and the best Helper. There is no power and no strength except through Allah; He is sufficient for us, and what an excellent Trustee.
Ismaʿiliyya, 1 Rajab 1422 AH
Abū Muḥammad Ashraf ibn ʿAbd al-Maqṣūd—may Allah forgive him