In this text, references to verses of the Holy Qur’ān have been footnoted and are given in the modern numerical system. In these references, we have counted Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm as the first verse, except for Sūrah At-Taubah (that is Chapter 9 of the Holy Qur’ān). In these footnotes, the name of the Sūrah (chapter) has been mentioned, and then the numerical reference has been provided in brackets, whereas the first number refers to the Sūrah (chapter) and the second number refers to the Āyah (verse). The translation of verses of the Holy Qur’ān, Aḥādīth and other Arabic or Persian quotations have been rendered into English from the idiomatic Urdu translation of Ḥaḍrat Mirzā Bashīr Aḥmad Ṣāḥib(ra) himself, as found in the original Urdu work.
The names of Islāmic months have been used in their original form. In the field of Islāmic history, there are two famous eras in the life of the Holy Prophet(sa): prior to migration and after migration. Years spent by the Holy Prophet(sa) in Makkah, prior to the migration are referred to as Nabawī years, and those following the migration are referred to as Hijrī years. In this text, Nabawī years have been clearly specified, for they have been followed by the term ‘Nabawī’ in italics. Hijrī years have been specified by the abbreviation A.H. (i.e., after Hijrah).
In certain footnotes more than one reference has been cited. In all such instances, references appearing in the same footnote have been separately distinguished with bullet points.
All of the original references provided in this translation have been checked and verified by the Research Cell, Rabwah. Wherever additional references are provided, which are not cited in the original Urdu book, they have been marked with the words [Publishers] in square brackets.
The following abbreviations have been used in this book; readers are requested to recite the full salutations when reading the book:
sa An abbreviation for Ṣallallāhu ‘alaihi wa sallam, meaning, “May peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him,” is written after the name of the Holy Prophet Muḥammad(sa).
as An abbreviation for ‘Alaihissalām / ‘Alaihassalām / ‘Alaihimussalām, meaning, “May peace be upon him / her / them,” is written after the name of Prophets other than the Holy Prophet Muḥammad(sa), and pious women prior to the era of the Holy Prophet Muḥammad(sa).
ra An abbreviation for Raḍiallāhu ‘anhu / ‘anhā / ‘anhum, meaning, “May Allāh be pleased with him/her/them,” is written after the names of Companions of the Holy Prophet(sa) and Companions of the Promised Messiah(as).
rh An abbreviation for Raḥimahullāh, meaning, “May Allāh have mercy upon him,” is written after the names of deceased pious Muslims who are not Companions.
In transliterating Arabic terms we have followed the Royal Asiatic Society.