Preface.—Concerning the advantages of the science of history, the necessity of rulers to study it, and the requirements of those who wish to compose it.
First Part.—Description of the first creatures, record of the genii, explanation of the narratives of the prophets and their numbers (peace be upon them), together with the adventures of the Persian Kings and of the ancient philosophers.
Second Part.—Explanation of the wars of the prince of inspired messengers [Muhammad] and of the orthodox Khalifahs, blessings be upon him and upon them all.
Third Part.—Explanation of the adventures and events of the twelve Emâms, of the Ommiade [Beni O’mayya] and of the Abbaside [Beni A’bbâs] Khalifahs.
Fourth Part.—Exposition of the history of the Kings contemporaneous with the Abbasides.
Fifth Part.—Description of the origin and rise of the conqueror Changiz Khân, and the rule of his descendants over Erân and Turân.
Sixth Part.—Description of the progress and reign of the Sâheb Qerân,* the conqueror of the world, and the axis of the political and religious government, the Amir Taimur Gurkân (may Allah illuminate his proof); of his conquest of the world, and record of the rule of most of his glorious progeny.
Seventh Part.—Exposition of the government of the divinely-aided, happy and victorious King, the paragon of all the qualities of four and seven,* the sovereign of the world and of the age, the honour of the monarchy and of the Khalifate, Abulghâzi Sultân Husain Bahâdur, may the standard of the champions of his sublime and victorious realm never be lowered.
Appendix.—Various narratives and descriptions concerning the created things of the world, and an epitome of the wonders and monuments of the omnipotence of the inscrutable Worker and Creator.*