We are pleased to publish the English translation of the second volume of Sīrat Khātamun-Nabiyyīn, [The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets] may peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, written by Ḥaḍrat Ṣāḥibzādah Mirzā Bashīr Aḥmad Ṣāḥib(ra). This magnificent work not only highlights the various aspects of the life and character of the Holy Prophet(sa) founded on the Holy Qur’ān, Sunnat [Practice of the Holy Prophet(sa)] and the Aḥādīth [Sayings of the Holy Prophet(sa)] with references particularly from the six authentic books of Aḥādīth and history; rather, it presents the prominent events and episodes in the history of Islām with solid historical testimonies. Some prejudiced orientalists and historians have misrepresented various incidents from the history of Islām in an attempt to tarnish the character of the Holy Prophet(sa). Ḥaḍrat Mirzā Bashīr Aḥmad(ra) has refuted those allegations with convincing argumentation in this book.
Moreover, in addition to a formidable rebuttal of the objections of orientalists, the current volume covers a detailed review of scholarly discussions such as the arrangement and the layout of the Holy Qur’ān, Divine revelation, reality of miracles, polygamy, Islām and slavery, Jihād with sword, capitation tax, the wives of the Holy Prophet(sa), toleration of non Muslims, the Islāmic laws regarding marriage and divorce, the electoral system for ‘Khilāfat’ (succession) and the just and democratic form of Islāmic government, etc. However, Ḥaḍrat Mīāń Ṣāḥib(ra) was only able to complete this treatise up to the sixth year of migration but his lucid, persuasive and convincing style is so alluring that a person is immensely bound to accept the glory and elegance of Islām and the Holy Prophet(sa).
For those residing in the West and especially the youngsters of this hemisphere it was imperative that this book be translated into English, published and circulated abundantly. With the permission of Ḥaḍrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ V(aba), Ayyaz Mahmood Khan translated the first volume of this book and it was published in 2011; now, he has completed the English translation of volume two.
Under the directive of Ḥaḍrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalīfatul-Masīḥ V (may Allah be his helper) this volume was initially serialised in the Review of Religions starting from the May 2012 Edition onwards. For this reason, the initial review of the English translation was done by Munawara Ghauri, Farhana Dar and Hina Rahman for the Review of Religions. We are grateful to them for reviewing the English translation and providing valuable suggestions.
We are also grateful to Shahzad Ahmad, Qudsi Rasheed, Faisal Mahmood Khan and Naveed Iqbal, who rendered invaluable services in the final stages of the preparation of this book. The references were checked and verified with the help of Research Cell, Rabwah.
May Allāh the Almighty give the best of rewards and grant abundant blessings, both in this world and in the hereafter, to all those who have assisted in one way or another, in the preparation of this volume.
Everyone should not only study this fascinating book but publicise it prolifically and present it as a gift to friends and dear ones so that the beauties of the exemplary character of the Holy Prophet(sa) are exposed to the world and the superiority of Islām established; O Allāh, may it be so. Āmīn!
Humbly,
Munīr-ud-Dīn Shams
Additional Wakīlut-Taṣnīf
August 2013