one of these councils, or by all of them together, thereby providing the Muslim community with a collective ruling issued by a distinguished elite of scholars.
The second type consists of new questions raised by contemporary life. One of these major councils has investigated such an issue and produced a joint legal opinion on it, after subjecting it to the revealed texts. This has laid bare the magnificence, universality, and timeless suitability of this Sharīʿah for every age and place.
Fourth: I have been eager to track the scientific truths reached in our day—an age in which the natural and cosmic sciences have advanced—whenever those truths relate to the texts and topics of this book. To the extent of my knowledge and ability, I have sought to highlight the awe-inspiring scientific inimitability carried by these noble texts, which corresponds with perfect clarity to those new scientific realities, in fulfilment of the Almighty’s words, “We will show them Our signs on the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth” (Fussilat 41:53), and His words, “And you will surely know its news after a while” (Ṣād 38:88). When this harmony between the sacred texts and the facts that God has placed in the universe becomes manifest, it is recognized that all of it comes from the All-Wise, All-Aware. Thus the believers grow firmer in faith, and a clear, compelling proof is established against the obstinate.
Fifth: Although I have made every effort to bring this commentary within reach of the beginner, I have also expanded it considerably. I have examined every aspect of each hadith in both transmission and understanding. For reports not found in the two Ṣaḥīḥs, or in one of them, I discuss their degree of authenticity—whether they are to be accepted or rejected. I then clarify the vocabulary of the hadith, explaining its uncommon expressions from the standpoints of language, grammar, morphology, technical usage, and practical definition. After that I extract the rulings and etiquettes in an extensive manner, paying close attention to the rationales and wisdoms underlying those rulings, so that the beauty of Islam and its laws may appear before the reader—especially the younger generation—thereby deepening their attachment to their religion and enabling them to embrace it with conviction and certainty.
Sixth: To round out the benefit of this commentary I have, in most cases, appended to each hadith