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Translator’s note

I have tried to stay faithful to the author's wording where possible straying in only a few cases. In cases where the Farsi implied but didn't state something, or, where redundancy would clarify ambiguous statements for an audience not familiar with certain theological discourses or verbiage, I inserted words, usually in parentheses.

So as not to prejudice the reader, I have elected not to translate the word ”Mushaf” which is the crux of the entire discussion. As it will become clear, the word has many meanings. The appropriate meaning of ”Mushaf” is the raison d'être of this investigation.

The word “hazrat” (Farsi pronounciation of the Arabic, hadhrat) literally means “eminence” or, “presence.” It is a term of respect given to men and women of great spiritual import and erudition, such as prophets and Imams as well as living scholars, and the intimate family (ahl al-bayt) of the Prophet Mohammad(s.a.w). However, I elected to translate the appellation of ”hazrat-e Fatemeh(a.s)” as “Lady Fatimah(a.s)” as this seems to connote in English the respect and grandeur of personality that the Arabic/Farsi implies. Also, I've elected to use transliteration corresponding to the Arabic pronunciation of loan words in Farsi rather than the transliterations of the Farsi pronunciation, e.g. Fatimah (Arabic) vs. Fatemeh (Farsi), except when an original quote, author's name, or title of a book was in Farsi.

Where possible, I have attempted to check all of the references made by the author and translate hadith quoted in Farsi directly from the Arabic and not from the author's Farsi translation.

All mistakes are mine and I implore Allah's forgiveness for any shortcomings and errors in my meager efforts.