We have chosen to standardize usage and spelling in a manner that should be accessible to most readers.
Words that are commonly used in the English language or are defined in a standard English dictionary are used in their common spelling (e.g. Mecca, not Makkah). This applies to some commonly used given names (e.g. Ali, not ʿAli). This is also specifically applied to the word Shia (not Shīʿah).
We have used the IJMES transliteration system, with some notable deviations. The Arabic ta marbutah is rendered ah if it is not in the Arabic iḍāfah construction. If it is in an iḍāfah construction, it is rendered at except where it is part of a given name.
All words are rendered in their marfuʿ state where possible.
Elision are rendered only if the elided letter is preceded by a harf ʿillah (e.g. Dhu’l-Hijjah).
The reader should note that the supplication of ṣ alawāt (may God send his peace and blessings upon Muhammad and the household of Muhammad) and salutations (peace be upon them) are usually recited at the mention of the Holy Prophet and his family. This is normally marked in elaborate calligraphy in Arabic text, and is marked with (sa) and (a), respectively, in this book. At times, we have dropped the title of some important religious and historical figures. For example, we refer sometimes to Ali rather than Imam Ali.
Again, the intent in these instances is to maintain the flow of the book. These decisions in no way are meant to disregard the status and reverence of these individuals.
Finally, we relied on the translation of Ali Quli Qaraʾi when citing to the verses of the Holy Quran throughout this book, with minor adaptations that allowed us to weave the verses more properly with the rest of the work.