except the true esoteric meaning (al-Ma'na al-Batin al-Haqiqi), as preceded.

Notice/Admonition (Tanbih): Indeed, the intent of presenting this introduction is so the seeker (al-Talib) may know the manner of using names, and what is intended by them exoterically and esoterically (Zahiran wa Batinan); and so it may be easier for him to accept what is to come of the clarification of the realities of the intents by applying the names to the Five Limits (al-Hudud al-Khamsah) in His Mighty Book: fasting (al-Sawm), prayer (al-Salah), pilgrimage (al-Hajj), almsgiving (al-Zakat), and struggle (al-Jihad).

And so it may be easier for him to accept what is to come of the clarification of the realities of the meanings of their apparent forms which the messengers, prayers of God be upon them, established for instruction (Ta'lim) and discipline (Ta'dib); and so it may be easier for him to accept what is also to come in this treatise (Risalah) of the clarification of His Almighty's intent in His Mighty Book by the names of these mortal, worldly named objects—inanimate, vegetative, and animal—with praise (al-Hamd), blame (al-Dhamm), and the neglected/neutral (al-Muhmal).

And I will begin after that, by His Almighty's will and guidance (Tawfiqihi), in clarifying the validity of what the people of esoteric monotheism (Ahl al-Tawhid al-Batin) believe regarding the interpretation (Ta'wil) of what came in the heavenly books under the names of acts of worship (al-'Ibadat)—which are the Five Limits (al-Hudud al-