The actual introduction to Sīrat Khātamun-Nabiyyīn(sa) [The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets, may peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him] can only be written when this work reaches completion, however, there are a few things in particular which must be submitted with respect to volume two specifically. Initially, in 1919, when I began the work of writing on the topic of Sīrat myself for the Review of Religions, Qadian, at the time, the purpose of this work was very limited. As such, the first volume of Sīrat, which was printed in book form in 1920 was based on this very limited purpose, which was to make a brief and simple biography available to the Muslim youngsters of India. No academic research or extensive analyses were in view at the time. It is for this reason that in volume one, even references were not cited.
A short time afterwards, when Ḥaḍrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ II(ra), Head of the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Jamā‘at based in Qadian, took an interest in completing this work and instructed me to complete the second volume of Sīrat in the beginning of 1929, he also advised that taking into account people of all academic backgrounds, this second volume should contain more research and analysis in particular as compared to volume one.
The extent to which I have been able to follow these instructions is now presented before readers in the form of Sīrat Khātamun-Nabiyyīn, volume two. In certain parts of the current volume, if I have prolonged discussions more than is neccesary, this is perhaps due to my natural inability to maintain control in writing briefly. In this respect, I fear that I have not been able to fully abide by the instructions of Ḥaḍrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ, may Allah be his helper.
I need not say anything in respect to the research and analysis presented herein. This field is so vast that if it were referred to as infinite, this would not be out of order. My own feelings are that whenever I have reviewed this manuscript of Sīrat, I have almost always found a new gate for research. Undoubtedly, there are certain parts where it is evident that more research is required. However, whatever has been completed thus far is being presented to our readers. It is my prayer, that by his grace and mercy, God honours this work with acceptance and He fulfills the actual purpose for which this book was written. Allāhumma Āmīn.
A study of volume two reveals that it contains four salient features in addition to volume one: firstly, more extensive research and analysis; secondly, more detail and elaboration; discussions on other topics of relevence and fourthly, the citing of references. Due to these features, it has become necessary that when and if it is felt that a second edition of volume one be published, it should be revised in light of the aforementioned points; otherwise, both these volumes will seem completely disjointed.
The books which I have benefited from for the preparation of volume two cannot be fully realised by only those names which are recorded as references in footnotes. Generally, references of the books of contemporaries have not been recorded, because whenever I have found something new or beneficial from these books, instead of citing them, I have consulted the original sources and recorded the references of these early books instead. However, it is obvious that I am still equally indebted to the books written by our contemporaries as well.
It is possible that the question may arise in the minds of some that in the presence of Maulānā Shiblī’s Sīrat, what is the use of this book? The answer to this question can only be ascertained by a study of both these works. However, I feel that it is necessary to submit that I fully accept the qualities of Sīratun-Nabī(sa) [written by Maulānā Shiblī] and in certain instances, I have even benefited from this book and other books published by Dārul-Muṣannifīn. However, the treasures of research can never be exausted. Moreover, everyone possesses a unique viewpoint and style, therefore, this humble effort of mine should not cause offense to anyone. As a matter of fact, if tomorrow, someone else presents new research or a unique point of view, or presents a new style of composition before the world, this shall definitely be an additional good-fortune for Islamic literature.
[For everyone is a reward, according to his intention; verily deeds are based on intentions]
I am also obliged to offer gratitude to those revered elders and friends who furnished any assistance whatsoever in the preparation of this book. Ḥaḍrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ II(ra), Head of the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Jamā‘at (may Allāh be his helper) very graciously spared his invaluable time and reviewed a better part of the manuscript and granted me the opportunity to benefit from his precious guidance on various occasions. Ḥaḍrat Maulawī Sher ‘Alī Ṣāḥib B.A., Nāẓir Ta’līf-o-Taṣnīf, Qadian [Director of Publications, Qadian] reviewed almost every page and in addition to helping me correct them, even provided me with beneficial suggestions in certain places. Maulawī ‘Abdur-Raḥīm Ṣāḥib Dard, M.A., (ex-Missionary of Islam in London) studied specific portions of the manuscript and presented valuable suggestions. Maulawī Arjumand Khān Ṣāḥib (Maulawī Fāḍil, Professor Jami‘ah Aḥmadiyya Qadian) offerred noteworthy assistence in correcting the pages of this book. May Allāh grant them all the best of rewards. Similarly, the manager of the Book Depot Ta’līf- o-Ishā‘at (Qadian), Manager Alah Bakhsh Steam Press (Qadian) and the scribe of this book are also deserving of thanks due to their affectionate attention.
This humble one,
Mirzā Bashīr Aḥmad
Employee Naẓārat Ta’līf-o-Taṣnīf
31st March 1930
1 In the name of Allāh, the Gracious, the Merciful [Publishers]
2 We praise Allāh and invoke blessings upon His Noble Messenger [Publishers]
