From Deenport: posted by [brother 'Umar Balal] From: Al-Habib Umar bin Muhammad bin Salim bin Hafidh Praise be to Allah, the one who brings forth in the Ummah, for the support of the Truth and the establishment of the proof, leaders guiding by his command, defending with patience and certitude, emulating the Seal of the prophets, our Liege-Lord the Noblest, the Chosen one, the Select, Muhammad the son of Abdullah, the Beloved of the Lord of all the worlds, O Allah send your peace and blessings and bestow honour upon him, upon his pure family, his noble companions and those who follow them upon sincerity until the day of judgement. And from amongst those leaders whom the Merciful has brought forth in his mercy to his slaves is the Shaykh, the Gnostic, vast in knowledge and cognisance, firmly versed in the realities the Shaykh, Muhammad Ahmad Ridha Khan (rahmatullah alayh). Author of many works and abundant spiritual overflowing, and indeed Allah spread out for him and by him the message of guidance and hoisted the banners of salvation from enticement away from the Sunnah of the Master of the messengers (Sal Allahu alayhi wa salam) and the guidance of the righteous predecessors (as salaf as-sâlihîn). And we looked into many of his works, beneficial, helpful, illuminating and enlightening and the commendations (taqarîz) of the leaders of the Haramayn (the two noble sanctuaries, Makkatul Mukarrama and Madinatul Munawwara) and the groups of gnostic scholars, and rightly-guided guides. So may Allah bless him (Shaykh Ahmad Ridha rahmatullah Alayh) in his works, illuminate the lands with his radiant lights, and give success to those who associate with him, to gather the believers and unite the people of religion and make us and them from amongst the elect of the righteous, the sincere, and may Allah elevate his status (Shaykh Ahmad Ridha Khan rahmatullah alayh) and requit him with good and unite us with him in the highest of Paradises in good and well being. (Al-Habib As-Shaykh As-Sayyid) Umar bin Muhammad bin Salim bin Hafizh ibn As-Shaykh abi Bakr bin Salim (hafizahullah) Dar al Mustafa, Tarim, Hadhramawt, Al-Yaman Translated from the original Arabic preface t "Al Fadhl al Mawhibi fi m'ana idha saha al-hadith fa huwa madhabi" (1313AH) Al Madinatul Ilmiyyah, Publication and Distribution, Karachi, Pakistan. Ramadhan 2002 (1423AH)
