Nahj al-balāghah
Quick Summary
The Nahj al-balāghah (The Path of Eloquence) is a collection of sermons, letters, and sayings attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Compiled in the 10th century by Sayyid Sharif al-Radi, it is a highly influential book in the Islamic world, revered by both Sunni and Shi'i Muslims for its religious and literary merit.1
The Nahj al-balāghah is celebrated for its unparalleled eloquence and profound insights into various subjects, including theology, ethics, and social justice. It has served as a source of inspiration for countless literary works and continues to be a significant text for spiritual guidance and intellectual reflection. While some Western scholars have questioned its authenticity, the vast majority of Muslims accept it as a genuine compilation of Ali's teachings.1
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ʿAlīMetaphysics and the Nahj al-balāghahIn later Islamic philosophy, especially in the teachings of Mullā Ṣadrā (c. 1571–1640) and his followers, ʿAlī’s sayings and sermons were increasingly regarded as central sources of metaphysical knowledge, or “divine philosophy.” Members of Sadra’s school, which still survives,
Read MoreIn later Islamic philosophy, especially in the teachings of Mullā Ṣadrā (c. 1571–1640) and his followers, ʿAlī’s sayings and sermons were increasingly regarded as central sources of metaphysical knowledge, or “divine philosophy.” Members of Sadra’s school, which still survives,
Read More- ʿAlīThe Nahj al-balāghah
Numerous short sayings of ʿAlī have become part of general Islamic culture and are quoted as aphorisms and proverbs in daily life. They also have become the basis of literary works or have been integrated into poetic verse in many languages. Already in…
Read MoreNumerous short sayings of ʿAlī have become part of general Islamic culture and are quoted as aphorisms and proverbs in daily life. They also have become the basis of literary works or have been integrated into poetic verse in many languages. Already in…
Read More
