besides it in that regard, rendering them sufficient. We shall convey in all of that what has reached us regarding the consensus of the conclusive proof where they agreed upon it (1) and their disagreement where they differed upon it. We shall explain the legal causes (ʿilal) of each of their schools of law (madhāhib) and clarify what is authentic according to us in that regard, with the utmost possible brevity and conciseness.

We ask Allah for His help and success toward that which brings us closer to His loves and keeps us far from His displeasures. May Allah send blessings upon the chosen of His creation and upon his family, granting them abundant peace.

The very first thing we begin with in speaking of that is: clarifying the reasons with which beginning is most proper, and whose presentation before all else is most appropriate. That is: explaining the meanings in the verses of the Qurʾān through which confusion enters upon one who has not engaged in the exercise of the Arabic sciences, nor mastered the knowledge of the various modes of speech of natural, unvarnished tongues.