This risāle (epistle) tells the readers about the perceptions of a traveller who inquires about his Creator directly
from the universe itself and through his own observations
of the universe.
It establishes that there are thirty-three proofs that constitute the major ijma’ (consensus) about tawhīd (oneness
and unity of God).
It explains the existence and unity of the Necessary Being (Wājib al-Wujūd).
It demonstrates the proofs of the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad(s).
It proves that the Qur’ān is the word of God.
This risāle is comprised of one introduction (muqaddima) and two stations (maqāmāt). The introduction treats
four important issues while the first station is the Arabic
exegesis (tafsīr) and the second station is the proof and translation of that tafsīr.
Value of the epistle in the eyes of its author:
It strengthens one’s īmān (faith).
It presents tremendously powerful proofs of tawhīd.
It is a must-read-epistle for those who seek unshakable
īmān and an unbreakable sword against the irreligious anarchy we face today.
It is an epistle that is the truth of the Qur’ān and one of
greatest fortresses of the Qur’ān in the face of today’s terrifying destruction.
It is an epistle that saves the readers from spiritual dangers.
It is an epistle which gives lessons at the degrees of ‘ilm
al-yaqīn (certainty by knowledge) and ‘ayn al-yaqīn (certainty by vision) with thirty-three ways and conclusive
proofs by inquiring about tawhīd from the universe and
various beings.
With a never exhausted and never quenched heart, mind
and imagination, this epistle observes the entire world as if it
were a city. At times, its mind (‘aql) embarks on the wisdom
of the Qur’ān, and other times on the wisdom of philosophy. Gazing at the furthest levels [of the realms] and with
its long range binoculars of imagination, this epistle projects
the truths and realities as they are.
This epistle is the greatest proof, a supreme mark, a grand
exegesis and a greatest evidence of tawhīd.
After reading this epistle just once, if a person does not
say, “Yes, this epistle is worthy of such praise”, let him say
“Shame on you!” to me.
It is an epistle which guides one to the ṣirāt al-mustaqīm
(the straight path).
It is an epistle that strongly and clearly explains the ultimate and most general point of support with respect to īmān.
It is an epistle which overcomes the stubbornness of the
obstinate by means of its wonderful and unshakable truths.
This epistle preaches the lights of īmān to the souls - the
lights of īmān that are as clear as the sun.
The essence, master and base of this epistle is the verse
meaning “Had there been within the heavens and earth gods
besides Allah, they both would have been ruined.” (Qur’ān:
Sūrat al-Anbiyā, 21:22)