Prelude

In the name of Allah (swt), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The honourable Shaykh Al Jaleel, and jurist, Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Ali ibn al-Husayn ibn Musa ibn Babawayh al-Qummi, the author of this book—may Allah (swt) sanctify his soul—wrote: After praise to Allah (swt), it happened that fate drove me to the lands of exile, and destiny brought me to the land of Balkh, specifically the town of Ilaq. There arrived the noble Sharif al-Din Abu Abdullah, known as Ni‘mah—Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ibn Ishaq ibn [al-Hasan ibn] al-Husayn ibn Ishaq ibn Musa ibn Ja‘far ibn Muhammad ibn Ali ibn al-Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon them all). With his companionship, my happiness was prolonged, my heart was comforted by his memory, and my honor was elevated by his affection, due to his noble character combined with virtues such as modesty, piety, calmness, dignity, religiosity, chastity, godliness, and humility. He mentioned to me a book authored by Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi, the physician, titled Man La Yahduruhu al-Tabeeb (For Him Who Has No Access to a Doctor), which he found to be effective in its purpose. He requested that I compile for him a book on jurisprudence, covering lawful and unlawful matters, and the statutes and rulings, comprehensively surpassing all I had previously written on the subject, and title it Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih (For Him Who Has No Access to a Jurist). The intention was for it to serve as his reference, foundation, and guide—one through which he could achieve reward, along with those who read, copy, or act upon its contents. This was in addition to his copying most of what I carried with me from my works, listening to them, narrating them from me, and familiarizing himself with their entirety, which amounted to two hundred and forty-five books. I agreed to his request (may Allah (swt) grant him continuous success) because I found him deserving of it. I compiled this book by omitting the chains of narration to avoid excessive length, while ensuring its benefits were plentiful. I did not intend to follow the approach of other compilers who include all they have narrated. Instead, I included only what I issue fatwas upon, deem to be authentic, and believe to be a proof between me and my Lord (azj) —exalted be His remembrance and elevated be His power. Everything in this book is derived from well-known books that are relied upon and referenced, such as the book of Hariz ibn Abdullah al-Sijistani, the book of Ubaydullah ibn Ali al-Halabi, the works of Ali ibn Mahziyar al-Ahwazi, the books of al-Husayn ibn Sa‘id, the Nawadir of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, the Nawadir al-Hikmah compiled by Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Yahya ibn Imran al-Ash‘ari, the Kitab al-Rahmah by Sa‘d ibn Abdullah, the compilation of our Sheikh Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ibn al-Walid (may Allah (swt) be pleased with them), the Nawadir of Muhammad ibn Abi Umayr, the books of al-Muhasin by Ahmad ibn Abi Abdullah al-Barqi, the letters of my father (may Allah be pleased with them), and other foundational texts and compilations. The paths to these works are well-known in the catalog of books I have narrated from my teachers and predecessors (may Allah (swt) be pleased with them). I have exerted my utmost effort in this task, seeking Allah’s (swt) assistance, placing my trust in Him, and asking forgiveness for any shortcomings. My success is only through Allah (swt). Upon Him I rely, and to Him I turn. He is sufficient for me, and He is the best trustee.