Nahj al-balagha

The Nahj al Balagha ("Peak of Eloquence") is the most famous collection of speeches (sermons) and letters by Ali ibn Abi Talib, accepted as the fourth of the Caliphs by Sunni Muslims and the first of the Imams by Shia Muslims. It was collected by Seyyed Razi in the 10th century.

Etymology

Nahj means open way, road, course, method or manner

Balaghah means eloquence, art of good style and communication, rhetoric etc

History

10th century

It was collected by Seyyed Razi in the 10th century

13th century

The first person to raise doubts about its attribution to Amir al-Mu'minin was Ibn Khallikan (d. 681/1282)

19th century

In the 19th century, Shaykh Muhammad 'Abduh said that he had no knowledge of "Peak of Eloquence" until he undertook its study far from home in a distant land. It is said that he was struck with wonder and felt as if he had discovered a precious treasure trove. Thereupon, he immediately decided to publish it and introduce it to the Egyptians.

Authenticity

Shi'a

The collection is regarded by Shi'ites as authentic, although it is not included in their Hadith books, which normally include the sayings and actions of the Shia Imams along with those of Muhammad.

A Shi'a site writes:

No scholar of Sunni or Shi'a profession has questioned the genuineness and authenticity of Nahjul Balagha for more than two centuries. The first person to raise doubts about its attribution to Amir al-Mu'minin was Ibn Khallikan(sunni) (d. 681/1282)

Sunni

The Sunnis are divided regarding its authenticity. Some claim it to be a partial fabrication, other a complet fabrication, while a third does neither. Some Sunni scholars who have written commentaries on it, some even accept all the sayings, even the ones that attack the first three Caliphs, but they then explain it in a way that according to them does not conflict with the Sunni doctrines.

The former Wahhabi, and then later Shi'a scholar Muhammad al-Tijani, wrote in his And then I was Guided:

I remember, for example, when our Arabic Rhetoric teacher was teaching the Shaqshaqiyyah oration from the book "Nahj al-Balaghah" by Imam Ali, that I was puzzled, as were many other students, when we read it, but I dared to ask the following question: "Are these truly the words of Imam Ali?" He answered: "Definitely, who would have had this eloquence apart from him. If it were not his saying, why should the Muslim scholars like Shaykh Muhammad Abduh, the Mufti of Egypt, concern themselves with its interpretation?" Then I said, "Imam Ali accuses Abu Bakr and Umar that they robbed him of his right to succeed as Caliph".

The teacher was outraged and he rebuked me very strongly and threatened to expel me from the class, and added, "We teach Arabic Rhetoric and not history. We are not concerned with the dark episodes of history and its bloody wars between Muslims, and in as much as Allah has cleaned our swords from their blood, let us clean our tongues by not condemning them". [1]

Imam Yusuf al-Nabahani, the sufi and scholar, strongly warned Sunnis against reading this work.

Sermons

In total Nahj al Balagha contains 245 sermons of Imam Ali:

Sermon 1 , in this sermon Imam Ali mentions the genesis of creation of the heavens, earth and Prophet Adam.
Sermon 2 (some consider this part of the previous sermon), is the sermon in which the creation of Adam is mentioned.
Sermon 3, mentions about Hajj (the holy pilgrimage to Mecca).
Sermon 4, was delivered by Imam Ali on his return from the Battle of Siffin. In this sermon Ali explained the condition of Arabs in pre-islmaic days and the corrupt conditions in which Islamic society had fallen again.
Sermon 5 (some consider this part of the previos sermon), is in praise of Ahl al Bayt (the progency of Prophet Muhammad). In this sermon Ali mentions that the Ahl al Bayt are the strong holds of Allah's commands, and are the ones that can interpret His commnads.
Sermon 6 is about the hypocrites, considered by Shia's to be Abu Bakr, Umar & Uthman.
Sermon 7 is the famous speech of Shaqshaqiyyah (the roar of a camel), in this sermon Imam Ali again mentions about the caliphate being snatched from him.
Sermon 8, in this sermon Imam Ali has depicted the mentality of Quraish and what the Ahl al Bayt have done to teach them Islam and to reform their minds. He finished it with an advice to them to accept religion sincerily.
Sermon 9, After the death of the prophet when Abbas (uncle of Muhammad) and Abu Sufyan came to Imam Ali to swear allegiance, he advised them in this sermon.
Sermon 10 , Talha and Zubayr rebelled against Imam Ali and raised an army to occupy the provincies of Kufa and Basra. Imam Ali resolved the issue instead of fighting. Some people tried to dissuade the Imam against his decisions, in reply to the dussuation Imam Ali delivered Sermon 10.
Sermon 11 In sermon 11 Imam Ali describes the mental conditions of those Muslims who in realtiy were hypocrites and had in their inner hearts no place for truth, justice and Islam. to serve their purpose they stooped to every vice and evil a the Satan was their guide and lord.
Sermon 12, Imam Ali warns Zubayr (who turned against Imam Ali).
Sermon 13, Imam Ali replies to the propaganda of the opponents.
Sermon 14, Imam Ali delivered this speech after Talha and Zubayr broke their oath of allegiance to Imam Ali. Ali realised that Muawiya was behind this and delivered Sermon 14, Followers of truth and religion! Beware that the Satan (possibly referring to Muawiya, although it could be referring to Iblis) has amassed his followers ...
Sermon 15, Imam Ali instructs Muhammad ibn Hanafiya (commander of the Battle of the Camel)
Sermon 16, Speech given after the victory at the Battle of Jamal (the camel).
Sermon 17, Imam Ali condemned the activities of the people of Basra (who had fought against him at the Battle of Jamal).
Sermon 18, In this sermon Imam Ali again condemned the actions of the people of Basra.
Sermon 19, After Muslims had conquered Armenia, Caliph Uthman granted all the Khums income from Armenia to Marwan ibn Hakam. Imam Ali did not approve this and when he became caliph Khums from Armenia again came under state control. On this occasion Sermon 19 was delivered.
Sermon 20, this sermon was delivered after the death of Caliph Uthman, when Imam Ali was being offered Caliphate. In it Imam Ali told people what to expect under his Caliphate.
Sermon 21, Imam Ali describes three kind of people found in society and also the best course to be followed in life.
Sermon 22, Imam Ali condems people who assume the status/title of a Qazi (Judge) without having qualification or enough knowledge for this kind of responisible work.
Sermon 23, remarks of Imam Ali on differnces of opinions amongst jurists on the same question of Sharia (Islamic law).
Sermon 24, While Imam Ali was delivering a speech in the Mosque of Kufa, Ash'ath ibn Qays (who was the chief of Muawiya's army at the Battle of Siffin) intervened saying that such a speech was harmfull to Ali. Sermon 24 was a reply to Ash'ath; "You a wicked son of a depraved father, a hypocrite, son of an infidel, do you know which part of my speech is harmful and which part is beneficial to me? ..."
Sermon 25, Imam Ali explains how and from whom we can take lessons to mould and reform our lives. In it the Imam also reminds people of the hereafter; "If you had only a true conception of what would happen after death, you would have screamed with horror and trembled with fright ..."
Sermon 26, Imam Ali tells that this life is just a journey and by reducing our sins we could make this journey easy; "Reduce the burden of your sins and vices so that you may carry on the journey with ease".
Sermon 27, According to Shia Muslims Talha & Zubayr had wanted to take over the Caliphate and therefore murdered Caliph Uthman, the only obstacle remaining in their way was Imam Ali. They decided to falsly accuse Imam Ali for the murder. In Sermon 27, Imam Ali tells Talha and Zubayr to be afraid of Allah.
Sermon 28, Imam Ali advises the poor not to envy the rich and the rich to support and help the poor.
Sermon 29, Imam Ali advises people to follow Allah's commands, as that is the only way one can enjoy the hereafter; And, if you are not rewarded in this life, I guarantee for your reward in the herefater.
Sermon 30, This sermon was delivered when Imam Ali heard the news that Muawiya I had taken possession of some provincies after two of his (Ali's) Governors had fled their provincies in the fear of Muawiya I.
Sermon 31, Imam Ali shed's light on three phases of the history of Islam:
- - firstly the condition of Arabs in pre-Islamic days, You Arabs! Do you ever realize in what state you were when Allah, the Merciful, appointed Muhammad as his Prophet ...
  - Secondly the reasons why Imam Ali did not take serious steps to defend his causes till the Battle of Basra took place.
  - Thirdly how Muawiya I purchased the allegiance of Amr ibn As, Amr did not yield to overtures of Muawiya unless he was paid an incredibly high price for the sinful alliance.

It is believed that sermon 31 was delivered before the Battle of Siffin.

Sermon 32, This sermon is in praise of Jihad, it shows what it means and what you can achieve from it.
Sermon 33, Imam Ali advises people to abandon corrupt ways of life and try to achieve salvation.
Sermon 34, Imam Ali critised those people who said that they were ready to fight for Islam, but practically used excuses, whenever Islam needed defence.
Sermon 35, Imam explains the causes of the murder of Caliph Uthman and also calrifies him (Ali) not having any connection with the incident. "If I had ordered him to be killed I undoubtedly would have been his murderer, and if I had prevented people from killing him I would have been his helper. But I have no connection whatsoever with that affair."
Sermon 36, I this sermon Imam Ali gives advice to Abdullah ibn Abbas when he is sent to Zubayr before the Battle of Basra.
Sermon 37,Imam Ali advises people to lead a honest and pious life, he also explained the condition in which people were living in at that time.

Imam Ali also describes four main types of people:

- "Firstly there are those, who abstain from vice, villainy and violence because they are timid and cowards, and have neither means nor enough wealth."
- "Then there are those, who have drawn their swords , have openly declared their evil intentions and have gathered armies aroun them." (possibly referring to Muawiya I)
- "And there are some, who instead of trying to gain blessings of Allah with sincere good deeds, want to secure a high place in this world with pretence of piety and holiness."
- "Lastly there are people weak in mind and depraved in character. They can neither create resources, nor can secure assistance from others, and thus find themselves deprived of wealth and social status. ... cover their humility and poverty under the guise of a religious and contended life ...".

Then Imam Ali mentions a fifth group of people:

- "...there is also an insignificant minority of those pious people, whom the true conception of His Divine Greatness and Might does not allow to be cruel, villainous, and haughty; and whome the fear of the Day of Judgment does not permit to lead a frivolous life."

Sermon 38,Imam Ali tells people that his mission is the same as it was in Mohammad's time, My mission today is the same as it was during the time of the prophet. I shall thrive till I eradicate impiety and injustice, and till I establish a rule of justice and truth, - a humane and divine regime.
Sermon 39, In this sermon Imam Ali has expressed his sorrow over the mental condition of Iraqis, warning them of the results of negligence of duty and indiffernce to religion.
Sermon 40, When Muawiya's army was on verge of a defeat at the Battle of Siffin, his commander Amr ibn As bribed some of Imam Ali's Army officers. Some of the officers came back to Imam Ali and apologised ofr their betrayal. On this occasion Imam Ali delivered Sermon 40.
Sermon 41, the Battle of Nahrawan took place between Imam Ali and the Kharjites. Before the battle began Imam Ali warned the Kharjites in Sermon 41, I want to warn and advise you against this baatle, for you may be killed in it, and the next day sun may shed its morning light upon your mutiated and blood-stained bodies ...
Sermon 42, Imam Ali describes his sincere efforts, courage and fortitude for the cause of Islam.
Sermon 43, is a very short sermon, in which the Imam talks about how pious people walk through the darkness, but because of their strong believe in Allah stay on the right path.
Sermon 44, Malik ibn Ka'ab was the Governor of Aynut Tamr (a province), he only had an army of about 100 men to guard this province. Without any prior warning Muawiya I sent an army to invade the province. When Imam Ali found out, he urged Muslims to go help Malik. The Muslims were timid and unwilling to go help Malik, seeing this Imam Ali gave Sermon 44. After this sermon finished, Adi ibn Hatim Tai came to Imam Ali with a 1000 soldiers from the Bani Hatim. Imam Ali made Adi the commander of the army. Adi was preparing to depart to Aynut Tamr, when news reached that Malik ibn Ka'ab and his small army of 100 men had defeated Muawiya's horde of a thousand soldiers.
Sermon 45, After breaking away from Imam Ali, Kharjites used the slogan "Only Allah is the judge". Imam Ali in this sermon throws light upon this slogan and the false meaning they wanted to derive from it, the slogan they repeat is true indeed but they deduce wrong meaning and infer from it conlusions which ar harmful to mankind.

Letters

Nahj al Balagha also contains a collection of 79 letters, including letters to Muawiya I (the fifth Sunni Caliph) and Governors of different provincies.

Letter 1, Sent to the people of Kufa, before Imam Ali proceeded to Basra for the Battle of the Camel
Letter 2, Sent to the people of Kufa after the victory at the Battle of the Camel.
Letter 3, to Shuray bin Harith, Chief Judge (Qazi) of Kufa, after Shuray purchased a very expensive house (which did not suite a Qazi's lifestyle).
Letter 4, A Letter to one of the commanders of his army.
Letter 5,
Letter 6, To Muawiya considering the election in which Imam Ali became Caliph.
Letter 7, Muawiya I had been sending Imam Ali letters giving him hypocritical advice and falsely accusing him. Letter 7 was reply to Muawiya's false accusations on Imam Ali.
Letter 8, Jarir ibn Abdullah Bajali (a companion of Imam Ali) was sent by Imam Ali to Damascus to deliver a letter to Muawiya. Some delay occurred in Jarir's return which made Ali worried about his safety. Imam Ali wrote this letter to Jarir, in this letter he told Jarir to force Muawiya to reply to Ali's previous letter giving a final answer; Peace (in which case Muawiya would have to swear oath of allegiance to Ali) or War.
Letter 9, Another letter to Muawiya, in which Imam Ali told Muawiya that he (Muawiya) had done nothing for islam while he (Ali) had devoted his whole life to Islam. In it Imam Ali mentiones that he has no comparison with Muawiya; "In Islam there is no rank, no honour, no position and no merit for him as it is for me".
Letter 10, Imam Ali reminds Muawiya that all his wealth is only in this world and would not help in the hereafter; "The possesions, the riches and the luxuries that you have surrounded yourself with, belong to this world ...".
Letter 11, Instructions to his marshal when Ali sent to a battle. In it Imam Ali tell them what to do before and during the battle.
Letter 12, Instructions to an expedition of 3000 soldiers, who were sent to fight against the Syrians.
Letter 13, Instructions to two of his commanders, in it he tells his commanders that he has appointed Malik ibn Harith as the Chief of Staff and they must follow his orders.
Letter 14, At the Battle of Siffin Imam Ali gave instruction in Letter 14 to his soldiers before the battle began.
Letter 15, This letter has the words in which Imam Ali used to invoke Allah whenever he faced an enemy.
Letter 16, This letter has the words in which Imam Ali used to advice his followers during a battle.
Letter 17, A reply to a letter of Muawiya I, Your claim that your clan is also descended from Abd al-Manaf is true but you must remember, as the history of Arabs will convice you, that your ancestor Umayya was not equal to our ancestor, the famous Hashim, neither Harb, another ancestor of yours, was equal to our Abdul Muttalib ... nor Abu Sufyan could claim himself equal to Abi Talib ... and one coming from a doubtful lineage (pointing to Muawiya) cannot claim to be equal to those who come from the noble parentage (meaning himself & the Banu Hashim)
Letter 18, A letter to Abdullah ibn Abbas. Abdullah was appointed as 'acting governor' of Basra, he was accused of ill treating the Bani Tamim clan. Imam Ali wrote this letter to Ibn Abbas, to treat them equally.
Letter 19, A letter to one of his governors. In it Imam Ali tells about the ways of divine rule. It shows how Imam Ali was training Muslims to behave tolentry towards other religions, how minority was to be treated and what should those who hold a different creed, expect of a Muslim ruler.
Letter 20, By ibn Abbas, Ziyad was appointed commissioner of Basra. He was totally corrupt and was therefor dismissed by Imam Ali. At the time of Ziyad's birth he branded as illegitimet as no one claimed to be fis father. He was known as "His Fathers son" (a nickname given to him by Ayesha). Later on Muawiya I, inorder to get support from Ziyad, claimed that Ziyad was his half-brother, thus Abu Sufyan's illegal son. Because of this Ziyad became a staunch ally of Muawiya. Imam Ali wrote this letter to Ziyad when he was still commissioner of Basra.
Letter 21, Another letter to Ziyad, in it the Imam tells Ziyad the right way of living.
Letter 22, This letter was an advice to ibn Abbas. Ibn Abbas latter reported that except the advice of Prophet Mohammad, no other advice had been more beneficial to him.
Letter 23, Was a letter by Imam Ali, to his family, shortly before he was martyred in Kufa.
Letter 24, is Imam Ali's will. It was written shortly after the Battle of Siffin.
Letter 25,
Letter 26, has instructions to Zakat collectors.
Letter 27, Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr was the son of the first Caliph, but was raised by Imam Ali. During the Caliphate of Ali he was appointed Governor of Eqypt. This Letter was sent to Muhammad by Imam Ali, in it Ali instructs Muhammad how to Govern in a fair and justice way.
Letter 28, is a famous reply of Imam Ali to Muawiya's letters.
Letter 29, A letter to the people of Basra.
Letter 30, A letter to Muawiya I.
Letter 31, A letter to one of his son's (either Hessan or Muhammad ibn Hanafiya). In it Imam Ali advices him how to lead a successful life.
Letter 32, Another letter to the 5th Sunni Caliph, Muawiya I, "You have misguided the whole generation of men around you. Having no faith in the truth of Islam you have led others to go astray. O Muawiya! Fear Allah, do not let the Devil lead you to Hell ..."
Letter 33, A letter to Qutham ibn Abbas, brother of Abdullah ibn Abbas (Ali's Governor of the Hijaz Province).
Letter 34, A letter to Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr. Muhammad was apointed Governor of Egypt by Imam Ali, later on Ali replaced him and appointed Malik Ashter as the new Governor. Muhammad felt sad about this, when Ali found out about the sadness of Muhammad, he wrote letter 34 to him.
Letter 35, When Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr (former Governor of Egypt was killed by the guerrillas of Muawiya I, Imam Ali wrote this letter to Abdullah ibn Abbas (the new Governor).
letter 36, A letter to his (Imam Ali's) brother, Aqil ibn Abi Talib.
Letter 37, A short letter to Muawiya I. "Allaho Akbar. How hopelessly you are engulfed in your inordinate and sinful desires."
Letter 38, A letter to the people of Egypt, telling them about Malik Ashter, when he was appointed Governor of Egypt.
letter 39, A letter to Amr ibn As.
Letter 40, A letter to a commissioner of a province, it is unknown to whom this letter was addressed.
Letter 41, An unknown Governor of a province ran away with public treasuray. This letter is to the unknown Governor.
Letter 42, written to Umar ibn Abu Salama Mukhzumi, when Imam Ali replaced him with Nu'man ibn Ajlan Zuraqi for the Governorship of Bahrain.
Letter 43, A letter to Muskala ibn Hubayra Shaybani who was the Governor of Ardshir Khurra.
Letter 44, Ziyad was a Governor of Imam Ali, when Muawiya I came to power in Sham he tried to bribe Ziyad, inorder to befriend him. When Imam Ali found out about this he wrote this letter to Ziyad. "... Beware, he wants to make a fool of you, ...".
Letter 45, Uthman ibn Hunayf was appointed Governor of Basra. Once he attended a luxerious dinner given by a rich man of Basra. Imam Ali wrote this letter regarding this matter.
Letter 46, A letter to one his Governors.

Sayings

See Wikiqoute for a collection of quotes from Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib

External link