The first English translation of Lecture Sialkot was published in the November 1904 issue of The Review of Religions. This is an entirely new rendering. The basic translation was done by Dr. Muhammad Ali, which was then revised by Prof. Muhammad Ali Chaudhry, Wakil Tasnif, Rabwah. Chaudhry Sahib was assisted by Mr. Dhulqarnian, Raja Ata-ul-Mannan, Tahir Mahmood Mubashar, Kashif Imran. May Allah reward them for their efforts.

We are also grateful to Maulana Muniruddin Shams Sahib, Additional Wakil Tasnif, London, for his valuable suggestions.

Please note that the words in the text in normal brackets ( ) and in between the long dashes — are the words of the Promised Messiah^(as) and if any explanatory words or phrases are added by the translator for the purpose of clarification, they are put in square brackets [ ].

The name of Muhammad^(sa), the Holy Prophet of Islam, has been followed by the symbol ^(sa), which is an abbreviation for the salutation Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The names of other Prophets and Messengers are followed by the symbol ^(as), an abbreviation for ‘Alaihissalam (on whom be peace). The actual salutations have not generally been set out in full, but they should nevertheless, be understood as being repeated in full in each case. The symbol ^(ra) is used with the name of the Companions of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and those of the Promised Messiah^(as). It stands for Radi Allahu ‘anhu/‘anha/‘anhum (May Allah be pleased with him/with her/with them). ^(rh) stands for Rahimahullahu Ta‘ala (may Allah have mercy on him). ^at stands for Ayyadahullahu Ta‘ala (May Allah, the Mighty help him).

In transliterating Arabic words we have followed the system adopted by the Royal Asiatic Society.