The author should have narrated the biographies of these distinguished scholars before those of the poets mentioned on the previous pages, and then proceeded to the poets' biographies. Moreover, the author has elaborated extensively on the poets' biographies, while keeping the scholars' biographies brief. Although the poets' biographies contain beautiful elements and concise wisdoms, and those who grasp them may benefit, it would have been more beneficial to elaborate on the scholars' biographies rather than praising the poets. Especially, there is greater benefit in transmitting the words of Ḥasan, Ibn Sīrīn, and Wahb b. Munabbih. Yet the author has kept these brief. However, he is more capable and possesses broader knowledge in this matter. It is not appropriate to insert a break among the words of these great scholars or to mix their wisdoms with other things. For hearts are thirsty and desirous to learn their words and wisdoms. The words of the early scholars (salaf) have an effect on the hearts.
The author has mostly arranged the biographies in his book entitled "Takmil" according to the names of the individuals. But we have not seen that book, nor did we receive sufficient information from the scholars to whom we directed questions on this matter. We asked a group of learned people about it. More than a thousand people said they had no knowledge of this book. If the scholars say so, what then of others?
In most of the biographies, I have added to what the author narrated, as far as I know and am aware. If I had other books on this subject at hand, I would have used more comprehensive expressions and extended the discussion further. For wisdom is the lost property of the believer. Perhaps someone who aspires to the Hereafter and seeks what is with Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, will, by being acquainted with what we have related, benefit even more greatly and comprehensively by reading the biographies of the great figures of later generations, and the life stories of rulers and emirs. There are also benefits in this for those who take heed and avoid evil. For there is benefit in narrating the biographies of just and unjust rulers after their deaths.
When the virtues of just rulers and the injustices of tyrannical ones are recounted, the unjust realize that they will not be forgotten after their deaths; rather, the wrongs and corruption they committed will be recorded in the books of the scholars, and so they desist from evil. As for the just, virtuous, and righteous rulers, knowing that their good deeds will be recorded in books, they are encouraged to do even more good. For Allah, the Exalted, has narrated in the Noble Qur'an the stories of rulers, Pharaohs, disbelievers, and people of corruption, so that people may beware of their conditions and actions. He has also narrated the stories of those who possess taqwa (God-consciousness), ihsan (spiritual excellence), goodness, virtue, distinction, and iman (faith), so that people may follow in their footsteps and take them as examples.
The truest is known by Allah, the Exalted, who is free from all deficiencies. We speak our word, and success is from Allah.