Mi'yarul Madhahib (written by the Promised Messiah(as) and published in 1895), makes a detailed comparison of the major religions of the world from the standpoint of reason and human nature. It discusses at length why other religions, particularly Christianity and Hinduism, fail to present the Perfect and Omnipotent God as proclaimed by Islam. The Promised Messiah(as) says:
Islam's understanding of God is very simple and clear, and is in keeping with human nature. Even if the books of all other religions were to disappear, along with all of their teachings and concepts, God, towards Whom the Holy Quran leads, would still be clearly reflected in the mirror of the laws of nature, and His Might and Wisdom shall be found glowing in every particle.
This book has been translated into English by Qadi M.J. As'ad and revised by Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, Wakilut Tasnif, Rabwah. Chaudhry Sahib was assisted by Mr. Zulqarnain, Raja A. Mannan, Usman Ahmad Ghumman and Dr. Azizur Rahman. We are also grateful to Mirza Anas Ahmad Wakilul Isha'at Rabwah and his team specially Sayyed Mansoor Ahmad Bashir, Mr. Shahid Mahmood Ahmad and Mr. Shaikh Naseer Ahmad for transliteration of the text and preparing the index.
Please note that the words in the text in normal brackets ( ) and in between the long dashes-are the words of the Promised Messiah(as) and if any explanatory words or phrases are added by the translator for the purpose of clarification, they are put in square brackets [ ].
The name of Muhammad(sa) the Holy Prophet of Islam, has been followed by the symbol (sa), which is an abbreviation for the salutation Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The names of other Prophets and Messengers are followed by the symbol (as), an abbreviation for 'Alaihissalam (on whom be peace). The actual salutations have not generally been set out in full, but they should nevertheless, be understood as being repeated in full in each case. The symbol (ra) is used with the name of the Companions of the Holy Prophet(sa) and those of the Promised Messiah(as). It stands for Radi Allahu 'anhu/'anha/'anhum (may Allah be pleased with him/with her/with them). (rh) stands for Rahimahullahu Ta'ala (may Allah have mercy on him). (at) stands for Ayyadahullahu Ta'ala (may Allah, the Mighty help him).
In transliterating Arabic words, we have followed the system adopted by the Royal Asiatic Society.