The system used for references is the same as adopted in Volumes I, II, III and IV. All references, unless otherwise noted, are from the Holy Quran. In the text, the references to the Holy Quran are given exactly as they were given in the original writings. In the footnotes, references are given in the modern numerical system. In these references, we have counted Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim as the first verse and have used the numerical system in which the first number refers to the Surah (chapter) and the second number refers to the Ayah (verse).
References to the Books of the Promised Messiah (as) are based on the London Edition of the Ruhani Khaza’in published in 1984. References to Malfuzat and Majmu‘ah Ishtiharat are also based on the London Edition.
The following abbreviations have been used in this book, Readers are requested to recite the full salutations when reading the book:
sas. An abbreviation for sal-lallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, meaning “May peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,” is written after the name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas).
as. An abbreviation for ‘alaihis salam, meaning “May peace be upon him,” is written after the names of Prophets other than the Holy Prophet (sas).
ra. An abbreviation for radi-Allaho ‘anhu/‘anha/‘anhum meaning, “May Allah be pleased with him/her/them,” is written after the names of the Companions of the Holy Prophet (sas) and of the Promised Messiah (as).
In transliterating Arabic words we have followed the system adopted by the Royal Asiatic Society.
We have not transliterated Arabic words which have become part of English language, e.g., Islam, Mahdi, Quran, Hijra, Ramadan, Hadith, ulema, umma, Sahib, Imam, etc.
Please also 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 publisher for the purpose of clarification, they are put in square brackets [ ].
May Allah accept our humble efforts and make this blessed task a source of guidance for many. Amin.
The Publisher
May, 2007