الْمُؤْمِنُ عَلَوِيٌّ لِأَنَّهُ عَلَا فِي الْمَعْرِفَةِ

A mu 'min is 'Alawi because he is high in knowledge. [Imam as-Sadiq ('a)]

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

اللهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّد

In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful

O Allah, shower Your mercy on Muhammad and his Household.

I wish to humbly thank the following brothers through whose support this work was realised:

1. Dr. Akbar Mithani, a well-known Dhakir-e Husayn (‘a), who requested this nondescript to complete a comprehensive commentary of this du‘a’ that I had begun some years ago. In response to his good suggestion, I tried to write a complete, yet summarised, commentary of this supplication. May Allah perpetually encompass this noble Dhakir with His special mercy.

2. Shaykh Kumayl Rajani, a contemporary scholar residing in Qum, who assisted me in procuring details on the source and authenticity of the du‘a’. His immediate response and thorough research despite his multiple responsibilities, reveals the kind of excellent character this noble Shaykh enjoys. May Allah protect him and enable us to benefit from him more.

3. Mr. Yusuf Datoo & his brilliant family, who were my hosts in Mombasa as I tried to pen down this commentary. May Allah always keep them with Prophet Muhammad (S) and his infallible progeny in this world and the Hereafter.

4. Brother Muhammad H A Jaffer, a well-known and respected Dhakir-e Husayn (‘a), who facilitated for me a trip to Nakuru, the capital city of the Rift Valley Province of Kenya, where I tried to complete this commentary as I enjoyed the heavenly atmosphere of its beautiful air and greenery. May Allah elevate this noble brother as he continues on his journey of utter sincerity.

5. Sayyid ‘Aun Muhammad an-Naqawi, a distinguished teacher in philosophy in the al-Mustafa (S) International University, who assisted this nondescript in some of the most profound discussions of the supplication. We pray to Allah to protect him and uplift him both intellectually as well as spiritually.

6. Al-Hajj Shabbar Dhalla, who showed his readiness in getting this work published and facilitated an agreement between al-Imam as-Sajjad (‘a) Institute and The World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities for the publication and printing of this work. May Allah elevate their stations and provide them with abundant support to serve mankind.