A ‘Translator’s Foreword’ is supposed to introduce the book, which is being presented, so that the readers get some idea about the author as well as his work.

Now, this is something that is not applicable at all in this case because the author, Allamah Muhammad al-Baqir Al-Majlisi is such that anyone having the least awareness of Islamic literature will have come across his writings.

Same is the case regarding the book of Haqq Al-Yaqin, which is one of the most famous books of Shi’a; and according to the adversaries, the most ‘notorious’, as anyone having surfed the internet will be able to testify.

So, what can be the aim of writing a ‘Translator’s Foreword’ for this book?

In my view, this opportunity should be utilized to mention some points, which have not yet been taken as themes of books and articles:

First, there is a tendency among orientalists and western scholars to label the mainstream Islam as the orthodox faith! What a blatant disregard of all academic standards!

Has anyone pointed out what the meaning of orthodoxy is?

Has anyone taken the trouble to investigate whether the faith brought by the Prophet still maintains its original form or it was ‘modified’ and ‘improved’ by those who came later? If it was changed, how is it possible to call it orthodox?

Second, western scholars like to explain away schisms in Islam as having originated from the question of temporal rulership after the Prophet.

Our scholars must oppose this tendency and write books and articles to explain how the split in Islam was in fact rooted in the perception about the authority of the Prophet. How some agreed to obey the Messenger of Allah (S) in every matter and how some opposed his every statement or made excuses.

Third is the world view promoted by the ‘enlightened’; that loyalty to one’s faith is a form of extremism detrimental to international peace.

Our scholars should explain why it is a mistaken notion, and why this cannot be true for the pristine faith brought by Prophet Muhammad (S).

Lastly, I must admit that even though these points are not directly dealt with in this book, the reader will realize that they underlie all discussions presented here, thus leading to the final conclusion that Allah, the Mighty and High, has declared in Qur’an:

إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ حَقُّ الْيَقِينِ

“Most surely this is a certain truth” (56:95).

I have used a number of versions for this translation but have mostly relied on the Urdu translation of Haqq Al-Yaqin by Mawlavi Mujtaba al-Husayn (r.a.), which was completed in 1307 A.H. in Madras, India.

Finally, being a translator, it is my duty to confess that though I have exercised all precautions and have not displayed any shortcoming at any point, yet I might have overlooked something; therefore, I indemnify the author as well as the publisher and declare that any error therein is my own; and also request the readers that in such instances, they will forgive me and also point it out, so that I can make amends in future editions.

In addition to all whom I have mentioned in ‘Acknowledgements’, I would like to specially thank the generous contributors, who have sponsored the translation, and who also had the humility to refuse the mention of their names. But the Knower of the Unseen is aware of their benevolence; and the heavenly rewards, which He has reserved for them will definitely refresh their eyes. May Allah give them more tawfiq for cooperating in such ventures.

Humble Servant

Sayyid Athar al-Husayn S.H. Rizvi

Email: [email protected]