I have prefaced this critical edition with an introduction to the book, divided into the following sections:
(1) Verification of the book’s attribution to Ibn al-Qayyim.
(2) The book’s title.
(3) The book’s size.
(4) A concise survey of the book’s subject matters.
(5) The book’s methodology.
(6) The sources on which the book draws.
(7) The book’s standing and importance.
(8) Abridgements of the book.
(9) Previous editions of the book.
(10) The book’s manuscripts.
(11) The method followed in preparing this critical edition.

I extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the completion of this edition, and I ask Allah to make it beneficial to all Muslims. He is Most Generous, Most Kind.

Our final supplication is: all praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds.