The first part of the third volume for Sīrat Khātamun-Nabiyyīn(sa) [The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] is being presented to readers. However, I feel hesitant because this part has not been written with the same diligence as previous volumes. The last portion of this volume has almost been written off-hand and such a style of writing is surely inappropriate in historical research. Moreover, this volume was revised in such circumstances that I am not satisfied in the least. After leaving Qadian a large collection of books were left behind in Qadian. The collection that did arrive to Pakistan, remains scattered in Lahore, Chiniot, Rabwah and Ahmad Nagar, etc. Hence, a final checking of references and in certain cases, even an initial examination of references to a satisfactory degree is not possible. In many cases I have had to suffice on a reference which references another source. For example, if Zarqānī states that Ibni Sa‘d records the following, I have accepted this in the present work. In the past, I would always return to the original source and only record it in my book after having verified the original myself. In addition to this, I have had to write this last volume rather quickly and so it has not been subject to the refinement and correction that could have been possible if the book had been revised with more care. However, in any case, whatever I have been able to write in light of the constraints at present is being put before our readers in view of the advice of my friends, who insisted that whatever content has been written thus far ought to be printed nonetheless. If God enables me, any necessary corrections can be made before the second edition of this book is printed.
As I have announced in the Al-Faḍl, the present volume is not complete. It spans only from the events of the Banū Quraiẓah to the letters of invitation to Islam dispatched by the Holy Prophet(sa). This is why, I have entitled this book, Sīrat Khātamun-Nabiyyīn(sa), Volume 3 (Part 1). When the remaining part is written, the third volume will, God-willing, be complete. A photographic image of the letter, which the Holy Prophet(sa) (my soul be sacrificed for him) wrote to Maqauqas, the King of Egypt has also been included in this volume. Even though, over the span of 1350 years, the Arabic script has transformed significantly, but with some effort most of the words can be decifered. These words are exactly the same those recorded in Islāmic narrations. As such, I have given a photographic image of this letter in my book, not only for the sake of blessings, but also because the discovery of this original document is a shining proof of the authenticity of the Ahadith and history of Islām. When I visualise the image of this letter, I feel an undescribable spiritual pleasure reflecting over the time when the Holy Prophet(sa) was sitting with his Companions, dictating these blessed words; as the hearts of his Companions were in a state of longing, as they sat there waiting to see what outcome the splash of this spiritual waterfall would bring.
I request my friends to pray that Allāh the Exalted enables me to complete the remaining part of this book as well and makes it as beneficial as possible for those who read it. It is Allah who grants us ability and it is He who is the True Helper.
This humble one,
Mirzā Bashīr Aḥmad of Qadian
(Presently staying at Ratan Bagh, Lahore)
2 April 1949
1 In the name of Allāh, the Gracious, the Merciful (Publishers)
2 We praise Allāh and invoke blessings upon His Noble Messenger (Publishers)
