The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page xv
1 بِسْم ِ اللّٰه ِ الرَّحْمٰن ِ الرَّحِیْمِ. 2 نَحْمَدُہ ٗ وَنُصَلِّی ْ عَلی ٰ رَسُوْلِه ِ الْكَرِیْم ِ وَعَلی ٰ عَبْدِہ ِ الْمَسِیْح ِ الْمَوْعُوْدِ. Preface - Volume III 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 1 In the name of Allāh, the Gracious, the Merciful (Publishers) 2 We praise Allāh and invoke blessings upon His Noble Messenger (Publishers)