T ranslator's NoteThe Muslim community in general does not have many books on Sharia or Fiqa (Muslim Law) which are useful for an ordinary member of the community. The major work done on these topics are in Arabic and Persian languages. The most important book on Fiqa is the Hadaya. After this book the book which is vastly quoted is the Fatavi Alamgiri which was compiled by a team of Scholars appointed by Aurangzeb Alamgir the Mughal emporer. The head of the team of the Scholars was Mulla Shaik Nizamuddin. The work was spread over 10 vols, of which 2 vols are dealing with the tenets of Islam. This book was translated into Persian by Mulla Abdullah Roomi. This work was done with a view to provide references to the schalors, Mullas, Mufties, and other officials of the religious heirarchy. But it was neither available nor was it of any use to the ordinary members of the community. This is still being used by the religious university. The Urdu translation or orginal Urdu works are also written for the religious functionaries only. They are beyond the reach of an ordinary person. The only book in the galaxy of books which had the real serious attempt to provide an ordinary man every thing right from the cradle to the grave and afterwards, is “The Chirag-e-Deen-e-Nabavi” (The Beacon of the Religion of the Prophet Sal’am). There may be a few books which are true to their caption. This book is one among them. The book starts with the chapter of the definition of the different Islamic orders applicable in day to day life of a muslim such as, Farz, Wajib, Sunnah, Haram, Halal, etc. The coverage includes the aspects of cleanliness; of water, environment, body, and heart. Then the different issues of Prayers, Kalima, Namaz, Roza, Zakat, Haj etc., are covered. The details of Faraiz (Compulsory), Haram (prohibited), Makrooh (Undesirable) actions in each of the religious activity, i.e. Roza (Fast), Haj, Zakat, etc. are also explained The marriage, Dower, Tallaq, Khula, etc. the birth of child, his broughtup the rights of wives, parents, etc. are also discussed. In short nothing is omitted. In view of the above vast coverage of the topics, simplicity of the presentation and easy language. I had a desire to translate it in English language for the guidance of the younger generations of the muslims in general and of the Mahdavia community in particular.Fortunately the opportunity to fulfill this desire came to me when Miyan Syed Khundmir, the son of the author of the book approached me with a request to take up this job. They had tried to get it translated through some English teacher, without much success. I had taken up the translation work in the year 1996, with the intention of doing some real service to the community anticipating reward from the Almighty. After taking up the translation, I could realise the difficulties in this field. The main problem was to get the appropriate terminology in English. For this purpose, I had to consult different dictionaries and book, setc. Even then to convey the correct sense I had to struggle hard. To be on safe side, I have given the Arabic word in brackets wherever necessary. The Quranic verses and different invocations (Dua) and intents (Niyyat), etc. are kept in Arabic language only for memorising them. The English translation of the same is given in italics for the understanding of the reader. The book Chirag-e-Deen-e-Nabavi was printed eight times in Urdu. Each time important persons of the community have taken pains to write Forewords on it. Some of them are While translating the book, I have kept in view two aspects. One to convey the correct sense of the book as nearly as possible to its original text. The second consideration was to keep the language very simple. How far I have succeeded in my attempt would be judged only by the readers. I have taken every care to be accurate in the matters of faith and other important issues. I know my limitations and feel that there may be some places which may need improvement and there may be some omissions in translation. If someone finds any mistakes or lapses in the translation. The same may be either corrected or either I or the publisher may be informed. I am thankful to Miyan Syed Khundmeer Sahab S/o Hazrat Syed Peer Mohammed (The author of the book), and Mr. Syed Peer Mohammed S/o Miyan Syed Khundmeer (publisher of the book), now residing in the U.S.A. for not only preserving and printing the most important book, but also for making efforts and providing all the assistance in translating the book in English and its printing. Though it belongs to their family, yet they have taken up the responsibility to make it available for the benifit of the entire Muslim world without any pecuniary consideration. I am also thankful to Mr.Syed Peer Mohammed S/o Hazrath Syed Najmuddin Sahab for the valuable services he has provided during the translation, typing, computerisation and the printing of the book. The services of Syed Ali Nizami who have computerised the entire work with care and accuracy and Syed Noorul Huda Najeeb & Mr. S.M. Ali Akber who has provided valuable information which proved to be cost effective in printing, binding, and supervising the work, are also due for gratitude by me. May Allah reward the children and the grand children of the complier of this book. May Allah each and everyone who helped in this effort. Last but not the least my thanks are due to Mr. M.S. Vali who has taken pains to proof read and to give me valuable suggestions with respect to some difficult places in translation inspite of his busy schedule. I pray Allah to enlighten the entire universe with the torch of the faith of the Nabi. Amin. SYED YAKOOB RAOSHAN YEDULLAHI |