What has been achieved by the lofty scholar Sayyid Murtada...

What has been achieved by the lofty scholar Sayyid Murtada 'Askari in his famous book "Ahadith of 'Umm al- Mu'minin 'A'ishah" has shown a new way for seekers of truth.

The author has written the present book which describes the facts and events of early Islam, by means of perusing many books of history and tradition about the validity of which all world Muslims are unanimous, and he has set forth clear and decisive arguments and evidence about which no doubt or ambiguity remains and he has left it all for the public to judge.

On the suggestion of the author, I translated the said book entitled "The Role of 'A'ishah in the History of Islam" when I was on an official mission to Baghdad.

But its printing was postponed for some years; this delay, however, proved to be fortunate, since the present book secured some advantages over the original text in several ways, and after a recent meeting with the author in Tehran, the following points were agreed to: 1-It contains the accounts and introduction written by scholar Hamid Hafni Dawud in praise of the book, together with its translation.

2-The reason for the plurality of the Prophet's wives, described by the author, has been added to the present book. 3-A more detailed account has been given of the personalities who were dealt with briefly earlier in the notes. 4-A more detailed account has been given of the great men of learning who played a significant role in the course of Islamic history, and this account has been transferred from the notes to the main text.

5-The Quranic chapter "at-Tahrim" and the cause of its descent have been wholly included after the brief story of Mariyah. In following up the admirable way adopted by the author, the translation into Persian has been carried out impartially and free from any prejudice and personal feelings, and without any alteration or expression of likes and dislikes.

May this minor contribution succeed in revealing the true facts and causes of the course taken by the present history of Islam, and be acceptable to Unique God, and approved by men of learning and research.

Now that the first volume of this book is offered for the general public for judgment, it is hoped that men of enlightenment, knowledge and discernment will offer their views, criticisms and suggestions impartially and without taking side with any particular sect, and thus guide and help the writer to remove any deficiencies, which may exist now, in his effort to produce a faultless edition in future.