Imam Zahid al-Kawthari, one of the great verifiers (muhaqqiq) of the late era, known for his deep expertise in the science of Hadith, Hanafi jurisprudence, and theological defenses, is also a devoted adherent and defender of the Naqshbandi-Khalidi path and a perfect gnostic (arif-i kamil) who encompasses the subtleties of this way.

The work in your hands, Irgham al-Marid fi Sharh al-Nazm al-Atid li-Tawassul al-Murid, is the clearest manifestation of this attribute of his. Kawthari wrote this work while he was in Istanbul, before his migration to Egypt; in it, he explains a poem that describes the means (tawassul) sought by a seeker in pursuit of spiritual perfection to the great masters of the Naqshbandi chain (Sadat-i Kiram), starting from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

The primary purpose of this work is not merely to explain a poem, but to serve as a means for the reader to encounter the exemplary lives, virtues, and spirituality of this blessed chain, thereby 'attracting their shining spiritual support (himmah)' and 'taking a sip from their overflowing oceans of divine grace (fayd).'