The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page xiii
Foreword We are pleased to publish the English translation of the third volume of Sīrat Khātamun-Nabiyyīn, [The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets] may peace and blessings of All ā h be upon him, written by Ḥaḍrat Ṣ ā ḥibz ā dah Mirz ā 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’ ā n, Sunnat [Practice of the Holy Prophet sa ] and the Aḥ ā dīth [Sayings of the Holy Prophet sa ] with references particularly from the six authentic books of Aḥ ā dīth and history; rather, it presents the prominent events and episodes in the history of Isl ā m with solid historical testimonies. Some prejudiced orientalists and historians have misrepresented various incidents from the history of Isl ā m in an attempt to tarnish the character of the Holy Prophet sa. Ḥaḍrat Mirz ā 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 equality in Islām, the acceptance of prayer, the treaty of Ḥudaibiyyah and the Holy Prophet’s letters to the leaders of various kingdoms and empires. However, Ḥaḍrat Mī ā ń 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 Isl ā m 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 two volumes of this book and these were published in 2011 and 2013; now, he has completed the English translation of volume three. This is the last and final volume written by Ḥaḍrat Mī ā ń Ṣāḥib ra. The initial review of the English translation was done by Munawara Ghauri and was finalised with the help of Abdul-Quddus Arif. We are grateful to them for reviewing the English translation and providing valuable suggestions. 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.