"Al-Mustatraf fi Kulli Fann Mustazraf" by Mohammad Ibn Ahmad Abi al-Fath al-Abshihi is considered one of the most significant and widely circulated works of its author. This book stands out for its engaging tone and captivating content—it draws the reader in from the first pages and holds their attention with its richness, making it difficult to put down. It nourishes the soul, refines morals, sharpens intellect, and touches the reader's heart, fulfilling both emotional and intellectual needs.

This work is a true literary encyclopedia, covering a wide range of subjects such as literature, wisdom, anecdotes, and eloquent sayings. Although it doesn’t follow a single central theme or a rigid structure, it is far from disorganized. In fact, the author compiled it with a clear objective: to revive moral values and human virtues, which had begun to fade during his time due to widespread indulgence, moral laxity, and the decline of Islamic ethical principles.

Al-Abshihi organized the material thoughtfully into thematic chapters, often beginning with verses from the Qur’an relevant to the topic, followed by Hadiths of the Prophet (peace be upon him), then maxims, insightful stories, poetry, and humorous anecdotes that serve to illustrate the point while keeping the reader entertained.

The author was highly successful in most chapters, although some sections may contain digressions that feel excessive or off-topic. However, this can be understood in the context of the literary style of his era, in which authors aimed to produce comprehensive works rich with knowledge, gathering material from diverse sources, presenting it in a coherent and structured format, and leaving their personal imprint through commentary, analysis, and critical thought.

These humorous digressions were not mere distractions; rather, they were deliberate attempts to break the monotony, entertain the reader, and maintain engagement, balancing seriousness with lightheartedness.

Recognizing the significance of this literary masterpiece, Dr. Moufid Muhammad Qamiha devoted his efforts to producing a critical edition—annotating the text, clarifying difficult passages, and compiling a detailed index to help readers navigate its many chapters.