Nahj al Balagha - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

The Nahj al-Balagha is the most famous collection of sermons, letters, tafsir

Tafsir

Tafseer is the Arabic word for exegesis or commentary, usually of the Qur'an. Ta'wīl is a subset of tafsir and refers to esoteric or mystical interpretation. An author of tafsir is a mufassir .- Etymology :...

s and narrations attributed to Ali

Ali

' |Ramaḍān]], 40 AH; approximately October 23, 598 or 600 or March 17, 599 – January 27, 661).His father's name was Abu Talib. Ali was also the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and ruled over the Islamic Caliphate from 656 to 661, and was the first male convert to Islam...

(Ali ibn Abi Talib), cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad

Muhammad

Muhammad |ligature]] at U+FDF4 ;Arabic pronunciation varies regionally; the first vowel ranges from ~~; the second and the last vowel: ~~~. There are dialects which have no stress. In Egypt, it is pronounced not in religious contexts...

. It was collected by Sharif Razi

Sharif Razi

Abul-Hasan Muhammad ibn Al-Husayn Al-Musawi known in Arabic as al-Sharif al-Radi or in Persian Sharif Razi or Seyyed Razi was a Shi`ite Muslim scholar and poet who was born in Baghdad. He wrote several books on Islamic issues and interpretation of the Koran...

, a Shia scholar in the tenth century.http://www.imamhussain.net/Prophet0/Prophet/Ahlulbait/Imams/Imam01/body_nahj_al_balagha.html

Known for its eloquent content, it is considered a masterpiece of literature in Shi'a Islam, second only to the Qur'an

Qur'an

The Quran , also transliterated Qur'an, Koran, Alcoran, Qur’ān, Coran, Kuran, and al-Qur’ān, is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God . It is regarded widely as the finest piece of literature in the Arabic language...

and Prophetic narrations.

Nahj means open way, road, course, method or manner. Balaghah means eloquence, art of good style and communication, rhetoric etc.

Introduction

Nahj al Balagha is a collection of 241 sermons, 79 letters, and 489 utterances. As per each new publishing versus past volumes, the number of sermons, letters and utterances has varied from 238 to 241, 77 to 79, and 463 to 489, respectively.

The book narrates from Ali on a wide variety of topics, ranging from the creation of the world, the creation of Adam

Islamic view of Adam

Adam is one of the most important figures in the history of the Islamic faith, as he is believed by most Muslims to have been the first human being and the first prophet. Adam's role as the father of the human race is looked upon by Muslims with reverence, who also venerate his wife, Eve, as the...

, end of the Universe and the arrival of Imam al-Mahdi.

Authenticity

Since the book is a literary work meant to demonstrate Ali's eloquence, it does not gather all of Ali's sermons. Instead, only segments deemed to possess greater literary value are included. The book also lacks an exact sourcing of this content. As a result, in recent years some researchers have focused their work on finding the exact source of these sermons and letters. Masadir Nahj al-Balagha wa asaniduh written by ‘Abd az-Zahra' al-Husayni al-Khatib introduces some of these. An alternative sourcing of the book's content by Muhammad Baqir al-Mahmudi represents all of ‘Ali's extant speeches, sermons, decrees, epistles, prayers, and sayings that are found in Nahj al-Balagha. Thus, except some aphorisms, the original source of all the content of Nahj al-balaghah has been determined.

The Shi‘a

The collection is regarded by the Shi‘ah as authentic, although it is not included in their Hadith

Hadith

The term Hadīth is used to denote a saying or an act or tacit approval or criticism ascribed either validly or invalidly to the Islamic prophet Muhammad....

books. Ibn Abi al-Hadid's (d. 656/1258) commentary and collection, Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, is widely disseminated.

Sunni

Although some Sunni scholars do not regard the book as an authentic work, many scholars and jurists of repute do attest to the authenticity of some sermons included in the book. According to one Shi‘i source, the first person to raise doubts about its attribution to Ali was Ibn Khallikan

Ibn Khallikan

Shams al-Dīn Abū Al-ʿAbbās Aḥmad Ibn Muḥammad Ibn Khallikān was a 13th Century Shafi'i Islamic scholar of Kurdish origin.-Biography:...

- A Sunni scholar (d. 1211/1282).

Imam Muhammed Abduh, the late head of Al Azhar (a prominent Sunni institution), wrote a commentary on the book which was published in Egypt.

Sermons

In total Nahj al Balagha has a collection of 245 sermons of Ali.

The following is an incomplete list of summaries on each sermon in the collection.

Sermon 1, in this sermon Ali mentions the genesis of creation of the heaven
Heaven
Heaven, the Heavens or Seven Heavens, is a common religious cosmological or metaphysical term for the physical or transcendent place from which heavenly beings originate, are enthroned or inhabit...

s, earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...

and Adam
Islamic view of Adam
Adam is one of the most important figures in the history of the Islamic faith, as he is believed by most Muslims to have been the first human being and the first prophet. Adam's role as the father of the human race is looked upon by Muslims with reverence, who also venerate his wife, Eve, as the...

.
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
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...

(the holy pilgrimage to Mecca
Mecca
Mecca is a city in the Hijaz and the capital of Makkah province in Saudi Arabia. The city is located inland from Jeddah in a narrow valley at a height of above sea level...

).
Sermon 4, was delivered by Ali on his return from the Battle of Siffin
Battle of Siffin
The Battle of Siffin occurred during the First Fitna, or first Muslim civil war, with the main engagement taking place from July 26 to July 28. It was fought between Ali ibn Abi Talib and Muawiyah I, on the banks of the Euphrates river, in what is now Ar-Raqqah, Syria...

. In this sermon Ali explained the condition of Arab
Arab
Arab people, also known as Arabs , are a panethnicity primarily living in the Arab world, which is located in Western Asia and North Africa. They are identified as such on one or more of genealogical, linguistic, or cultural grounds, with tribal affiliations, and intra-tribal relationships playing...

s in pre-Islamic
Pre-Islamic Arabia
Pre-Islamic Arabia refers to the Arabic civilization which existed in the Arabian Plate before the rise of Islam in the 630s. The study of Pre-Islamic Arabia is important to Islamic studies as it provides the context for the development of Islam.-Studies:...

days and the corrupt conditions in which Islamic society had fallen again.
Sermon 5, (some consider this part of the previous sermon), is in praise of Ahl al-Bayt
Ahl al-Bayt
Ahl al-Bayt is an Arabic phrase literally meaning People of the House, or family of the House. The phrase "ahl al-bayt" was used in Arabia before the advent of Islam to refer to one's clan, and would be adopted by the ruling family of a tribe. Within the Islamic tradition, the term refers to the...

(the progeny of Muhammad). In this sermon Ali mentions that the Ahl al-Bayt are the strong holds of God's
God in Islam
In Islamic theology, God is the all-powerful and all-knowing creator, sustainer, ordainer, and judge of the universe. Islam puts a heavy emphasis on the conceptualization of God as strictly singular . God is unique and inherently One , all-merciful and omnipotent. According to the Islamic...

commands, and are the ones that can interpret His commands.
Sermon 6, is about the hypocrites.
Sermon 7, is the famous speech of Shaqshaqiyyah
Sermon of the roar of a camel
The roar of a camel is a sermon believed by Shi'a to have been delivered by Ali. It is most famous for being included in the letter and sermon collection Nahj al-Balagha.-Transmission:...

(Sermon of the roar of a camel
Camel
A camel is an even-toed ungulate within the genus Camelus, bearing distinctive fatty deposits known as humps on its back. There are two species of camels: the dromedary or Arabian camel has a single hump, and the bactrian has two humps. Dromedaries are native to the dry desert areas of West Asia,...

), in this sermon Ali again mentions about the caliphate
Caliphate
The term caliphate, "dominion of a caliph " , refers to the first system of government established in Islam and represented the political unity of the Muslim Ummah...

being snatched from him. "By Allah
Allah
Allah is a word for God used in the context of Islam. In Arabic, the word means simply "God". It is used primarily by Muslims and Bahá'ís, and often, albeit not exclusively, used by Arabic-speaking Eastern Catholic Christians, Maltese Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Mizrahi Jews and...

, that man, Abu Bakr, snatched away the caliphate (from me) as it was an insignia..."
Sermon 8, in this sermon Ali has depicted the mentality of Quraysh 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 sincerely.
Sermon 9, After the death of Muhammad when `Abbas ibn `Abd al-Muttalib
`Abbas ibn `Abd al-Muttalib
‘Abbas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib was a paternal uncle and Sahabi of Muhammad, just a few years older than his nephew. A wealthy merchant, during the early years of Islam he protected Muhammad while he was in Mecca, but only became a convert after the Battle of Badr in 624 CE...

(uncle of Muhammad) and Abu Sufyan came to Ali to swear allegiance, he advised them in this sermon.
Sermon 10, Talhah and Az Zubayr
Az Zubayr
Az Zubayr is a town in Basra Governorate in Iraq. It has a population of around 90,000.The name is also sometimes written Az Zubair, Zubair, Zoubair, El Zubair, or Zobier.-Early history:...

rebelled against Ali and raised an army to occupy the provinces of Kufa
Kufa
Kufa is a city in Iraq, about south of Baghdad, and northeast of Najaf. It is located on the banks of the Euphrates River. The estimated population in 2003 was 110,000....

and Basra
Basra
Basra is the capital of Basra Governorate, in southern Iraq near Kuwait and Iran. It had an estimated population of two million as of 2009...

. Ali resolved the issue instead of fighting. Some people tried to dissuade Ali against his decisions, in reply to the dissuation Ali delivered Sermon 10.
Sermon 11, In sermon 11 Ali describes the mental conditions of those Muslims who in reality 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 and Shaitan (Satan
Satan
Satan , "the opposer", is the title of various entities, both human and divine, who challenge the faith of humans in the Hebrew Bible...

) was their guide and lord.
Sermon 12, Ali warns Az Zubayr
Az Zubayr
Az Zubayr is a town in Basra Governorate in Iraq. It has a population of around 90,000.The name is also sometimes written Az Zubair, Zubair, Zoubair, El Zubair, or Zobier.-Early history:...

(who turned against Ali).
Sermon 13, Ali replies to the propaganda of the opponents.
Sermon 14, Ali delivered this speech after Talha and Az Zubayr broke their oath of allegiance to Ali. Ali realised that Muawiyah I
Muawiyah I
Muawiyah I was the first Caliph of the Umayyad Dynasty. After the conquest of Mecca by the Muslims, Muawiyah's family converted to Islam. Muawiyah is brother-in-law to Muhammad who married his sister Ramlah bint Abi-Sufyan in 1AH...

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, Ali instructs Muhammad ibn Hanafiya (commander of Ali's army at the Battle of Bassorah
Battle of Bassorah
The Battle of Bassorah was a battle that took place at Basra, Iraq in 656 between forces allied to Ali ibn Abi Talib and forces allied to Aisha , who wanted justice on the...

(also called the Battle of the Camel or the Battle of Jamal).
Sermon 16, Speech given after the victory at the Battle of Bassorah.
Sermon 17, Ali condemned the activities of the people of Basra (who had fought against him at the Battle of Bassorah).
Sermon 18, In this sermon Ali again condemned the actions of the people of Basra.
Sermon 19, is in context of the conquest of Armenia
Armenia
Armenia , officially the Republic of Armenia , is a landlocked mountainous country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia...

, where the Khums
Khums
Khums is the Arabic word for One Fifth . According to Shia Islamic legal terminology, it means "one-fifth of certain items which a person acquires as wealth, and which must be paid as an Islamic tax"....

income had been transferred from the state to Marwan I
Marwan I
Marwan ibn al-Hakam was the fourth Umayyad Caliph, who took over the dynasty after Muawiya II abdicated in 684. Marwan's ascension pointed to a shift in the lineage of the Umayyad dynasty from descendants of Abu Sufyan to those of Hakam, both of whom were grandsons of Umayya...

(Marwan ibn Hakam), (a process that Ali would later reverse).{fact}
Sermon 20, this sermon was delivered after the death of caliph
Caliph
The Caliph is the head of state in a Caliphate, and the title for the ruler of the Islamic Ummah, an Islamic community ruled by the Shari'ah. It is a transcribed version of the Arabic word which means "successor" or "representative"...

Uthman Ibn Affan, when Ali was being offered the caliphate. In it Ali told people what to expect under his Caliphate.
Sermon 21, Ali describes three kind of people found in society and also the best course to be followed in life.
Sermon 22, Ali condemns people who assume the status/title of a Qadi
Qadi
Qadi is a judge ruling in accordance with Islamic religious law appointed by the ruler of a Muslim country. Because Islam makes no distinction between religious and secular domains, qadis traditionally have jurisdiction over all legal matters involving Muslims...

(Judge) without having qualification or enough knowledge for this kind of responsible work.
Sermon 23, remarks of Ali on differences of opinions amongst jurists on the same question of Sharia
Sharia
Sharia law, is the moral code and religious law of Islam. Sharia is derived from two primary sources of Islamic law: the precepts set forth in the Quran, and the example set by the Islamic prophet Muhammad in the Sunnah. Fiqh jurisprudence interprets and extends the application of sharia to...

(Islamic law).
Sermon 24, While Ali was delivering a speech in the mosque
Mosque
A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam. The word is likely to have entered the English language through French , from Portuguese , from Spanish , and from Berber , ultimately originating in — . The Arabic word masjid literally means a place of prostration...

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 harmful 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, Ali explains how and from whom we can take lessons to mould and reform our lives. In it Ali also reminds people of the hereafter
Afterlife
The afterlife is the belief that a part of, or essence of, or soul of an individual, which carries with it and confers personal identity, survives the death of the body of this world and this lifetime, by natural or supernatural means, in contrast to the belief in eternal...

; "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, 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, Talhah and Az Zubayr had wanted to take over the caliphate and therefore murdered Caliph Uthman Ibn Affan, the only obstacle remaining in their way was Ali. They decided to falsely accuse Ali for the murder. In Sermon 27, Ali tells Talhah and Az Zubayr to be afraid of Allah.
Sermon 28, Ali advises the poor not to envy the rich and the rich to support and help the poor.
Sermon 29, 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 hereafter.
Sermon 30, was delivered in the context of Muawiyah I's seizure of some provinces (previously under the control of Ali's caliphate) and the subsequent flight of Ali's Governors.
Sermon 31, believed to be given before Sittin, Ali highlights three points. He illustrates the condition of Arabs in pre-Islamic days, the reasons why he did not take serious steps to defend his causes before the Battle of Bassorah, and how Muawiyah I allegedly purchased the allegiance of 'Amr ibn al-'As
'Amr ibn al-'As
`Amr ibn al-`As was an Arab military commander who is most noted for leading the Muslim conquest of Egypt in 640. A contemporary of Muhammad, and one of the Sahaba , who rose quickly through the Muslim hierarchy following his conversion to Islam in the year 8 AH...

.
Sermon 32, This sermon is in praise of Jihad
Jihad
Jihad , an Islamic term, is a religious duty of Muslims. In Arabic, the word jihād translates as a noun meaning "struggle". Jihad appears 41 times in the Quran and frequently in the idiomatic expression "striving in the way of God ". A person engaged in jihad is called a mujahid; the plural is...

, it shows what it means and what one can achieve from it.
Sermon 33, Ali advises people to abandon corrupt ways of life and try to achieve salvation.
Sermon 34, Ali criticised those people who said that they were ready to fight for Islam, but practically used excuses, whenever Islam needed defence.
Sermon 35, Ali explains the causes of the murder of Caliph Uthman Ibn Affan and also clarifies himself of 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, in this sermon Ali gives advice to `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas
`Abd Allah ibn `Abbas
Abd Allah ibn Abbas was a paternal cousin of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. He is revered by Muslims for his knowledge and was an expert in Tafsir , as well as an authority on the Islamic Sunnah.-Family:...

when he is sent to Az Zubayr before the Battle of Bassorah.
Sermon 37,Ali advises people to lead an honest and pious life, he also explained the condition in which people were living in at that time.

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 around them." (possibly referring to Muawiyah 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 pretense 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 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 whom the fear of the Day of Judgment does not permit to lead a frivolous life."
Sermon 38, Ali tells people that his mission is the same as it was in Muhammad's time, My mission today is the same as it was during the time of Muhammad. 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 Ali has expressed his sorrow over the mental condition of Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....

is, warning them of the results of negligence of duty and indifference to religion.
Sermon 40, when Muawiyah I 's army was on verge of a defeat at the Battle of Siffin, his commander 'Amr ibn al-'As bribed some of Ali's Army officers. Some of the officers came back to Ali and apologised for their betrayal. On this occasion Ali delivered Sermon 40.
Sermon 41, the Battle of Nahrawan
Battle of Nahrawan
The Battle of Nahrawan was a battle between Ali ibn Abi Talib and the Kharijites.After the unsatisfactory conclusion to the Battle of Siffin, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib returned with his army back to Kufa on the 13th of Safar 37 A.H...

took place between Ali and the Kharijites
Kharijites
Kharijites is a general term embracing various Muslims who, while initially supporting the authority of the final Rashidun Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib, the son-in-law and cousin of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, then later rejected his leadership...

. Before the battle began Ali warned the Kharijites in Sermon 41, I want to warn and advise you against this battle, for you may be killed in it, and the next day sun may shed its morning light upon your mutilated and blood-stained bodies ...
Sermon 42, Ali describes his sincere efforts, courage and fortitude for the cause of Islam.
Sermon 43, is a very short sermon, in which he talks about how pious people "walk through the darkness", but because of their strong believe in Allah stay on the right path.
Sermon 44, talks about Malik ibn Ka'ab, who 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 Muawiyah I sent an army to invade the province. When Ali found out, he urged the Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...

s to go help Malik ibn Ka'ab. The Muslims were timid and unwilling to go help Malik ibn Ka'ab, seeing this Ali gave Sermon 44. After this sermon finished, Adi ibn Hatim came to Ali with a 1000 soldiers from the Bani Hatim. 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 Ali, the Kharijites used the slogan "Only Allah is the judge". 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 conclusions which are harmful to mankind.
Sermon 46, To be edited
Sermon 47, Ali tells his people that inordinate cravings and bad deeds would only bring harm. He also points out that good deeds, do not necessarily mean a reward in this life, but will definitely be rewarded in the hereafter.
Sermon 48, Ali delivered this sermon when he got informed that Muawiyah I was getting ready for a war. "I find that no choice has been left to me; either I have to crush the rebellion by force (therefore go on war) or submit to paganism
Paganism
Paganism is a blanket term, typically used to refer to non-Abrahamic, indigenous polytheistic religious traditions....

(do nothing and let Muawiyah I takeover power).

Sermon 49, was delivered when Ali found out that Masqala ibn Hubayra Shaybani, had run away to Muawiyah I with some money of state treasury. "May Allah not forgive Masqala. In the beginning he acted like a chieftain, but in the end he fled like a slave."

Sermon 50, Ali advices people to lead a good life, "My advice to you is that you should pass through life in such a way that it may carry good results for you in the next world..."

Sermon 51, was delivered by Ali on his journey to Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....

.

Sermon 52, Ali's prediction on the future of Kufa.

Sermon 53, was delivered at a place called Nukhayla, while he was on his journey to Syria.

Sermon 54, Ali explains the theory of accepting the existence of God. "...those who have not seen Him physically cannot deny his existence ..."

Sermon 55, throws light on the causes of people going astray. "Surely the causes of discord and rebellion against religion are that people follow the dictates of their minds and introduce innovations and schisms against the explicit orders of the Book of Allah."
Sermon 56, delivered at the Battle of Siffin, when Muawiya's forces had occupied the Euphrates
Euphrates
The Euphrates is the longest and one of the most historically important rivers of Western Asia. Together with the Tigris, it is one of the two defining rivers of Mesopotamia...

and stopped the supply of water to Ali and his army. Ali's forces re-captured the river and allowed Muawiya's army to use as much water as they'd like. Before the Battle for the re-capturing of The Euphrates began, Ali delivered this sermon.
Sermon 57, is a warning to those people that do not attach any importance to the hereafter. Most scholars think that this sermon is incomplete and found scattered as separate sermons throughout the collection.
Sermon 58, Ali explains what kind of animals can be sacrificed on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. "If the ears and eyes of an animal are healthy and sound it is fit for sacrifice, no matter if its horns are broken and even if it is slightly lame and it limps to the place of slaughter."

Sermon 59, delivered just before the Battle of Siffin, when the forces of Ali were asking permission to fight.

Sermon 60, Ali was trying to delay the war (at the Battle of Siffin). Some people thought that Ali was afraid of death, this sermon was a reply to those people. "It is not right for you to say that I am hesitating to start the war because I am afraid of death. By Allah I never delayed war even for a day but with the hope that some rebels might come back to me and through to me they might be guided towards religion ..."
Sermon 61, as mentioned in the previous sermon, Ali was trying to delay the war, some people started complaining, saying that they could wait no longer. But when war broke out, these same people started acting cowardly. This sermon was for these people.
Sermon 62, this is a prediction of Ali about the rule of Muawiyah I after him. The tells that Muawiyah I will force people to calumniate and dishonour him (Ali). In this sermon Ali advices people what to do then. "Certainly after my death you will be overpowered and ruled by a pot-bellied glutton (Muawiyah I). Beware! He will ask you to calumniate me and to disown me. So far as calumniation is concerned you can obey his orders
Taqiyya
Taqiyya , meaning religious dissimulation, is a practice emphasized in Shi'a Islam whereby adherents may conceal their religion when they are under threat, persecution, or compulsion...

because it will save you from his wrath and tyranny... but so far as disowning me is concerned you should not do so, because I am a Muslim by birth and I was the first to testify
Identity of first male Muslim
There is some disagreement among Muslims, and among historians of Islam, as to the identity of the first male convert to Islam after Muhammad....

..."

Sermon 63, was given when Muawiyah I violated the terms of the Treaty of Siffin and started getting ready to invade Kufa, Ali decided to invade Shaam first. He asked the Kharijites to come for help, they refused because of the arbitration in the Battle of Siffin. In the reply of the refusal, Ali delivered Sermon 63. "May you be punished by Allah ... Beware! Your misguided policy will bring death and destruction to you."

Sermon 64, was delivered when Ali got informed that the Kharijites were trying to invade Basra.

Sermon 65, was delivered when Ali was informed that some people were planning to assassinate him. In this sermon he declared: "Allah's protecting shield is still protecting me. On the day which is fixed for my death, the shield will disappear and hand me over to death. On that day death will not miss its target and the mortal wound will not heal."

Sermon 66, is believed to be part of Sermon 57, by some commentators. In it Ali has recounted the realities of life, what one has to face and how to deal with it.

Sermon 67, Ali warns people of certain basic facts about life. He also advices people to lead a pious life.

Sermon 68, to be edited

Sermon 69, is regarding the Battle of Siffin. One day both the armies fought continuously for 24 hours, the fighting in the night was terrible and is known as Laylatul Harir. The next morning the delivered sermon 69, in this sermon Ali refers to the Battle of Siffin as Jihad. "Remember that Allah is watching you and you are fighting under command of the cousin and son-in-law of the [Muhammad]... do not accept the shame and disgrace of a defeat or a rout, for which you shall be punished on the Day of Judgement, because yours is a Jihad in defence of Islam, truth and justice."
Sermon 70, refers to Abu Bakr's claim to caliphate and the incident of Saqifah
Saqifah
The Saqīfah , also known as Saqīfah banī Sāˤidat , was a roofed building used by the tribe called the banū Sāˤidat of the faction of the banū Khazraj tribe of the city of Medina in the Hejaz, northwestern Arabia.- Significance of Saqifah :...

.
Sermon 71, Sermon delivered on the death of Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr
Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr
Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr was the son of Abu Bakr, who was the senior companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and first Rashidun Caliph. His mother was Asma bint Umais...

(who was killed by Muawiyah I's forces).
Sermon 72, directed to some of the companions of Ali.
Sermon 73, Ali narrated this dream on the eve of his martyrdom. Next morning he received a mortal wound during the morning prayers. "As I was sitting I fell asleep and dreamt that Muhammad came in front of me. I told him of intrigues, enmities and suffering that fell to my lot from the hands of his followers. He (Muhammad) told me to curse them
Tabarra
Tabarra is a Shia Muslim doctrine that refers to the obligation of disassociation with those who oppose God and those who caused harm to and were the enemies of the Prophet Muhammad or his family.- Definition :...

. And I prayed to Allah to give me better companions than they and to them a tyrant ruler in my place."
Sermon 74, to the people of Iraq.
Sermon 75, is regarding the way to supplicate for peace and blessings on Muhammad.
Sermon 76, was given after the Battle of Bassorah. Marwan I (one of the chiefs of the enemy forces) was taken prisoner. Marwan requested Hasan ibn Ali
Hasan ibn Ali
Al-Hasan ibn ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib ‎ is an important figure in Islam, the son of Fatimah the daughter of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and of the fourth Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib. Hasan is a member of the Ahl al-Bayt and Ahl al-Kisa...

and Husayn ibn Ali
Husayn ibn Ali
Hussein ibn ‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib ‎ was the son of ‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib and Fātimah Zahrā...

(the two sons of Ali and Fatimah
Fatimah
Fatimah was a daughter of the Islamic prophet Muhammad from his first wife Khadijah bint Khuwaylid. She is regarded by Muslims as an exemplar for men and women. She remained at her father's side through the difficulties suffered by him at the hands of the Quraysh of Mecca...

) to request Ali to release him, in return he would pay his oath of allegiance to Ali. Ali released Marwan, but on the issue of the oath of allegiance, the delivered sermon 76. "Did he not swear oath of allegiance to me after the death of Uthman Ibn Affan..." The sermon also contains a prophecy on the future of the Islamic world, "Remember he (Marwan) is going to have a kingdom and it will last only so long as it takes a dog time to lick its nose. He will be father of four chieftains and very soon he and his sons will bring disaster to the Muslim World". The prediction of Marwan ruling a kingdom became true, Marwan I was the Umayyad
Umayyad
The Umayyad Caliphate was the second of the four major Arab caliphates established after the death of Muhammad. It was ruled by the Umayyad dynasty, whose name derives from Umayya ibn Abd Shams, the great-grandfather of the first Umayyad caliph. Although the Umayyad family originally came from the...

caliph after Yazid I
Yazid I
Yazīd ibn Mu‘āwiya ibn Abī Sufyān , commonly known as Yazid I, was the second Caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate . He ruled for three years from 680 CE until his death in 683 CE. Many Muslims condemn Yazid's rule as contentious and unjust...

and ruled only for four months and ten days.

Sermon 77, is delivered after Uthman Ibn Affan became caliph. In it Ali says that he had to suffer injustice and tyranny in order to prevent bloodshed and oppression of Muslims. "You (Uthman Ibn Affan) know very well that I deserve the caliphate more that anyone else... I shall keep on bearing this injustice as long as oppression and bloodshed of Muslims are resorted to, and as long as I alone remain a target to their (the early Muslim caliphs) tyrannies.
Sermon 78, This sermon was delivered when news reached Ali that Banu Ummaya were falsely accusing Ali of the murder of Uthman Ibn Affan. "Did the fact of me being the first to testify Islam and of my services to Islam and Muslims not dissuade and check these wicked people from calumniating or slandering me ..."
Sermon 79, describes the qualities of a true Muslim.
Sermon 80, is a complaint of Ali against the behaviour of Banu Ummaya, during the rule of Uthman Ibn Affan.
Sermon 81, A prayer to Allah.
Sermon 82, When Ali decided to head towards Kufa, to face the rebellion of the Kharijites, an astrologer
Astrologer
An astrologer practices one or more forms of astrology. Typically an astrologer draws a horoscope for the time of an event, such as a person's birth, and interprets celestial points and their placements at the time of the event to better understand someone, determine the auspiciousness of an...

advised Ali not to take the journey, as according to astrology it was an inauspicious moment. Ali in this sermon gave a reply to the astrologer.
Sermon 83, This sermon was delivered after the Battle of Bassorah.
Sermon 84, A sermon on piety and devotion.
Sermon 85, A sermon on the world.
Sermon 86, Is a very long and famous sermon. It is also known as Khutba-e-Gharra (an eminent sermon) and Khutba-e-Ajiba (a wonderful sermon). "I glorify Him (Allah) for His constant favours, vast bounties and lasting protection. It is my firm belief that he is Eternal; He existed before anything came into existence and that he is the Mighty Creator."
Sermon 87, Ali talks about the propaganda carried out against him by 'Amr ibn al-'As.
Sermon 88, A few attributes to God and a few pieces of advice to his followers and companions. Some consider this only a part of a very long sermon.
Sermon 89, Advising people to believe in religion and to sincerely follow the teachings of it.
Sermon 90, Ali described the kind of people liked by Allah and the acts of a true Muslim. "O people! The person who is liked most by Allah is he who implores him for help to overcome his passions, who accepts the unpleasantness of life, and fears Him..."
Sermon 91, When the Muslims during the caliphate of Ali started to go astray, Ali delivered this sermon.
Sermon 92, Ali reminds Muslims of the conditions in which society was before God sent Muhammad with His Message. "The Almighty Allah sent our [Muhammad] with His Message at a time when the world was for a long time without any prophet or reformer; when nations had passed through years without realizing the duty of man towards man and Allah..."
Sermon 93, Attributes to Allah and his creations.
Sermon 94, This is another famous and long Sermon, called al-Ashbah. Once somebody asked Ali to describe Allah in such a way that he could feel that he is seeing Allah (in a physical state). Ali felts annoyed by this request, as God cannot be described in such a way by which men could imagine Him physically. On this occasion this sermon was delivered by Ali.
Sermon 95, After the death of Uthman Ibn Affan, the Muslims of the time requested Ali to assume the caliphate, which Shi'ites believe was corrupt until the death of Uthman Ibn Affan. Ali then delivered sermon 95. In it Ali tells people what to accept under his caliphate, "Remember that if I accept your caliphate I shall make you follow the religion according to my own conscience and sense of judgement..."
Sermon 96, Ali delivered this sermon after the Battle of Nahrawan, in which the Kharijites were heavily defeated. In it Ali tells people to ask him whatever they wanted, as they were soon lose their Imam (Ali died shortly afterwards in Kufa). "...ask me anything you like, before you lose sight of me." Ali also tells in this sermon that he has knowledge of the unknown and future, Ilm-e-Ghaib, "...if you ask any questions about important events that would happen from today onwards to the Day of Judgement, I shall explain them all to you."
Sermon 97, A sermon in praise of Muhammad. "The last and most exalted of them all was Muhammad."
Sermon 98, is a sermon about the Arabs during Muhammad's lifetime.
Sermon 99, is a sermon in praise of Allah and Muhammad.
Sermon 100, Ali condemns those Muslims that did not respond to the call of Ali before the early Islamic Civil Wars. "I swear by Allah that this group (Umayyads) will defeat you, not because they are defending justice or protecting the truth, but simply because they implicitly and willingly obey their leader even in vice and sin, and you lazily gather around me when I call upon you to defend the cause of religion and Allah."
Sermon 101, This sermon is a prediction on the future of Muslims and the Muslim empire. "...these Umayyads will remain in power till they force the people to discard Islam so flagrantly that every act forbidden by Allah will be considered and enacted as legitimate and lawful."
Sermon 102, is a description of life and advice on how to live it according to the Islamic way.
Sermon 103, is a sermon about himself and the leaders after his death.
Sermon 104, is prophesy of the Umayyad rule. A famous quote from this is: "I am thinking of a person from Syria (thought to be referring to Muawiyah I), who is misguided and is misleading people with loud and flagrant lies..."
Sermon 105, this sermon is about three main topics, the Day of Judgment, the Islamic world after the death of Ali (a prophecy) and another prophecy about Basra.
Sermon 106, Ali mentions about the things in the world that lure one towards evil and vice.
Sermon 107, is an attempt to show the condition of the world before Muhammad.
Sermon 108, explains the mission of Muhammad and a prophecy about the Umayyad's.
Sermon 109, is about Islam, Muhammad and Muslims.
Sermon 110, During the Battle of Siffin some soldiers of Ali's army retreated, but later regained the lost position. On this occasion Ali delivered this sermon.
Sermon 111, mentions some attributes to Allah.
Sermon 112, is regarding the attributes to Allah and mentions about his faithful companions.
Sermon 113, A sermon advising people to have true faith in Allah and believe in the Qur'an.
Sermon 114, A sermon advising people not to be trapped in worldly desires as the ultimate destination is in the hereafter.
Sermon 115, A sermon about the Angel of Death.
Sermon 116, Ali warns people against the vicious pleasures of the world.
Sermon 117, In this sermon Ali praises Allah and talks about the ways of life.
Sermon 118, This sermon is said to have been delivered during a period of severe drought. In it Ali prays to God for rain.
Sermon 119, A sermon in praise of Muhammad and a prophecy about Hajjaj ibn Yusuf (who later became the Governor of Iraq, during the rule of Abdul Malik ibn Marwan).
Sermon 120, Ali advices people to spend their wealth in good causes.
Sermon 121, Ali praises his loyal and faithful companions. "You are supporters of truth and justice".
Sermon 122, A sermon to those people that claimed to be true supporters of Ali, but whenever were needed during war, would cowardly back down.
Sermon 123, Reminds people that the Ahl al-Bayt are the true guardians of Islam. "We, the progeny of the [Muhammad] are the doors through which real wisdom and true knowledge reaches mankind; we are the lights of religion."
Sermon 124, A sermon about the Battle of Siffin.
Sermon 125, A sermon directed to the Kharijites.
Sermon 126, Part of a sermon delivered on a battlefield containing advice to strong and brave people to help the weak and nervous.
Sermon 127, Instructions to his soldiers, some consider this part of the previous sermon.
Sermon 128, A sermon considering the arbitration at the Battle of Siffin, which led to the creation of the Kharijites sect.
Sermon 129, When Ali started distributing the Baytul Mal or Public Treasury to all Muslims irrespective of race and status, the rich felt that Ali's caliphate was more sympathetic to the poor. The rich and wealthy decided to send a delegation to Ali to protest. At this occasion Ali delivered this sermon.
Sermon 130, This sermon was delivered when Ali found out that the Kharijites were massacring Muslims simply because they has different views. "Of all the wicked and sinful people of this world you are the worst."
Sermon 131, A prophecy about a future war.
Sermon 132, A sermon commenting on worldly activities.
Sermon 133, Part of a sermon believed to be delivered when Ali went to see Abu Dharr al-Ghifari
Abu Dharr al-Ghifari
Jundub ibn Junādah ibn Sakan , better known as Abū Dharr al-Ghifārī was an early convert to Islam. When he converted, Muhammad gave him a new name, Abdullah. He belonged to the Banu Ghifar, the Ghifar tribe. No date of birth is known...

, a companion of Muhammad who was forced into exile by Uthman Ibn Affan.
Sermon 134, An advice to the people of Kufa who had gathered around Ali.
Sermon 135, A sermon on death and how to be prepared for it.
Sermon 136, Thought to be a portion of a very long sermon, containing attributes to Allah, Muhammad ibn Abdullah
Aun ibn Abdullah and Muhammad ibn Abdullah
Aun and Muhammad were the sons of Abdullah ibn Ja'far and Zaynab binti Ali. They had not accompanied Zaynab binti Ali when she left Medina with the third Shi’a Imam, Hussain ibn Ali...

and the Qur'an. "It (the Qur'an)always guides you towards Islam."
Sermon 137, When the Second Sunni Caliph, Umar wanted to invade the Roman Empire
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....

, he consulted Ali whether he (Umar) should head the invasion. This sermon was the reply of Ali. In the sermon Ali gives the second Caliph permission to appoint an experienced officer but not to head the invasion himself. "You may appoint an experienced officer to take charge of the expedition ..."
Sermon 138, When a contention took place between Ali and the third Sunni Caliph, Uthman Ibn Affan, Mughira ibn Akhnas claimed he would defend the third caliph against Ali. In this sermon Ali criticizes Mughira,

"By Allah! The Lord will never grant victory to those whom you support (the third Sunni caliph)."

Sermon 139, to be edited
Sermon 140, Ali tells people in this sermon that Talhah and Az Zubayr were responsible for the murder of the third Sunni Caliph, Uthman Ibn Affan.
Sermon 141, A sermon about the Mahdi
Mahdi
In Islamic eschatology, the Mahdi is the prophesied redeemer of Islam who will stay on Earth for seven, nine or nineteen years- before the Day of Judgment and, alongside Jesus, will rid the world of wrongdoing, injustice and tyranny.In Shia Islam, the belief in the Mahdi is a "central religious...

and the Dajjal
Dajjal
al-Masih ad-Dajjal , is an evil figure in Islamic eschatology. He is to appear pretending to be Masih at a time in the future, before Yawm al-Qiyamah , directly comparable to the figures of the Antichrist and Armilus in Christian and Jewish eschatology, respectively.-Name: is a common Arabic word ...

."...and you must abide by the orders of a man from the Ahl al-Bayt who will be amongst you."
Sermon 142, The again claims to be the rightfull and legitimate Caliph, "The time is near when the caliphate will be claimed at the point of a drawn sword, and when promises will be recklessy broken."
Sermon 143, Sermon considering the evils of backbitting and slandering
Sermon 144, to be edited
Sermon 145, to be edited
Sermon 146, to be edited
Sermon 147, to be edited
Sermon 148, to be edited
Sermon 149, Umar, the second Sunni Caliph sought the advice of Ali when leading an army to confront the Persians
Persian people
The Persian people are part of the Iranian peoples who speak the modern Persian language and closely akin Iranian dialects and languages. The origin of the ethnic Iranian/Persian peoples are traced to the Ancient Iranian peoples, who were part of the ancient Indo-Iranians and themselves part of...

. Ali told the Caliph not to lead the army himself but rather appoint someone else to lead the army.
Sermon 150, to be edited

Letters

Nahj al Balagha also contains a collection of 79 letters, including letters to Muawiyah I. The following is a short summary to each letter, relevant quotes have been used out of the original letters.

Letter 1, Sent to the people of Kufa, before Ali proceeded to Basra for the Battle of Bassorah
Letter 2, Sent to the people of Kufa after the victory at the Battle of Bassorah.
Letter 3, to Shuray bin Harith, Chief Judge (Qadi) of Kufa, after Shuray purchased a very expensive house (which did not suit a Qadi's lifestyle).
Letter 4, A Letter to one of the commanders of his army.
Letter 5, A letter to Ash'ath ibn Qays.
Letter 6, To Muawiyah I considering the election in which Ali became Caliph.
Letter 7, Muawiyah I had been sending Ali letters giving him hypocritical advice and falsely accusing him. Letter 7 was reply to Muawiya's false accusations on Ali.
Letter 8, Jarir ibn Abdullah Bajali (a companion of Ali) was sent by Ali to Damascus
Damascus
Damascus , commonly known in Syria as Al Sham , and as the City of Jasmine , is the capital and the second largest city of Syria after Aleppo, both are part of the country's 14 governorates. In addition to being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Damascus is a major...

to deliver a letter to Muawiyah I. Some delay occurred in Jarir's return which made Ali worried about his safety. Ali wrote this letter to Jarir, in this letter he told Jarir to force Muawiyah I to reply to Ali's previous letter giving a final answer; Peace (in which case Muawiyah I would have to swear oath of allegiance to Ali) or War.
Letter 9, Another letter to Muawiyah I, in which Ali told Muawiyah I that he (Muawiyah) had done nothing for Islam while he (Ali) had devoted his whole life to Islam. In it Ali mentions that he has no comparison with Muawiyah; "In Islam there is no rank, no honour, no position and no merit for him as it is for me".
Letter 10, Ali reminds Muawiyah I that all his wealth is only in this world and would not help in the hereafter; "The possessions, 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 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
Demographics of Syria
Syrians today are an overall indigenous Levantine people. While modern-day Syrians are commonly described as Arabs by virtue of their modern-day language and bonds to Arab culture and history...

.
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 Ali gave instruction in Letter 14 to his soldiers before the battle began.
Letter 15, This letter has the words in which Ali used to invoke Allah whenever he faced an enemy.
Letter 16, This letter has the words in which Ali used to advise his followers during a battle.
Letter 17, A reply to a letter of Muawiyah I, Your claim that your clan is also descended from Abd Manaf ibn Qusai
Abd Manaf ibn Qusai
‘Abdu Manāf ibn Quṣayy was a Quraishi and great-great-grandfather of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and Ali. His father was Quṣayy ibn Kilāb.-Biography:...

is true but you must remember, as the history of Arabs will convince you, that your ancestor Umayya
Umayya ibn Abd Shams
The clan of Banu Umayyad as well as the dynasty that ruled the Umayyad Caliphate are named after Umayya ibn Abd Shams.Umayya was the son of Abd Shams ibn Abd Manaf, and the father of Harb ibn Umayya and Abu al-'As....

was not equal to our ancestor, the famous Hashim
Hashim ibn Abd Manaf
Hashim ibn 'Abd Manaf was the great-grandfather of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and the progenitor of the Banu Hashim clan of the distinguished Quraish tribe in Mecca....

, neither Harb, another ancestor of yours, was equal to our Abdul Muttalib
Shaiba ibn Hashim
Shaiba ibn Hashim , better known as or Abd al-Muttalib, since he was raised by his uncle Muttalib, was the grandfather of Islamic prophet Muhammad.-Early life:...

... nor Abu Sufyan
Abu Sufyan ibn Harb
Sakhr ibn Harb , more commonly known as Abu Sufyan was a leading man of the Quraish of Mecca. He was a staunch opponent of the Islamic prophet Muhammad before accepting Islam later in his life.-Opposition to Islam:...

could claim himself equal to Abi Talib
Abu Talib ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib
Abi Tlib ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib also known as Abu Talib ibn al-Muttalib.Talib was in reality the elder son of Abd Munāf and elder brother to Ali Ibn Abd Munāf. He was an head of Bani Hashim clan of Quraysh tribe of Mecca in Arabia. He was married to Fatima bint Asad and was an uncle of the...

... and one coming from a doubtful lineage (pointing to Muawiyah I) cannot claim to be equal to those who come from the noble parentage (meaning himself and the Banu Hashim
Banu Hashim
Banū Hāshim was a clan in the Quraysh tribe. Muhammad, was a member of this clan; his great-grandfather was Hashim, for whom the clan is named. Members of this clan are referred to by the Anglicised version of their name as Hashemites, or Huseini or Hasani...

)
Letter 18, A letter to `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas. Abdullah was appointed as 'acting governor' of Basra, he was accused of ill treating the Banu Tamim
Banu Tamim
Banī Tamīm Tamim is one of the largest of all Arab tribes. Their history goes back to pre-Islamic times....

clan. Ali wrote this letter to Ibn Abbas, to treat them equally.
Letter 19, A letter to one of his governors. In it Ali tells about the ways of divine rule. It shows how Ali was training Muslims to behave tolerantly towards other religions, how a 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 therefore dismissed by Ali. At the time of Ziyad's birth he was branded as illegitimate as no one claimed to be his father. He was known as "His Father's son" (a nickname given to him by Aisha
Aisha
Aisha bint Abu Bakr also transcribed as was Muhammad's favorite wife...

). Later on Muawiyah I, in order 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 Muawiyah I. Ali wrote this letter to Ziyad when he was still commissioner of Basra.
Letter 21, Another letter to Ziyad, in it Ali tells Ziyad the right way of living.
Letter 22, This letter was an advice to ibn Abbas. Ibn Abbas later reported that except the advice of Mohammad, no other advice had been more beneficial to him.
Letter 23, Was a letter by Ali, to his family, shortly before he was martyred in Kufa.
Letter 24, is Ali's will. It was written shortly after the Battle of Siffin.
Letter 25, Directions to assessors and collectors of Zakat
Zakat
Zakāt , one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is the giving of a fixed portion of one's wealth to charity, generally to the poor and needy.-History:Zakat, a practice initiated by Muhammed himself, has played an important role throughout Islamic history...
Letter 26, has instructions to Zakat collectors.
Letter 27, Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr was the son of the first Caliph, but was raised by Ali. During the caliphate of Ali he was appointed Governor of Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...

. This Letter was sent to Muhammad by Ali, in it Ali instructs Muhammad how to govern in a fair and just way.
Letter 28, is a famous reply of Ali to Muawiya's letters.
Letter 29, A letter to the people of Basra.
Letter 30, A letter to Muawiyah I.
Letter 31, A letter to one of his son's (either Hasan ibn Ali or Muhammad ibn Hanafiya). In it Ali advises him how to lead a successful life.
Letter 32, Another letter to Muawiyah 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
Jahannam
Jahannam is the Arabic language equivalent to Hell. The term comes from the Greek Gehenna, itself derived from the Hebrew geographical name for the Valley of Hinnom.-Jahannam in the Qur'an:...

..."
Letter 33, A letter to Qutham ibn Abbas, brother of `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas (Ali's Governor of the Hejaz
Hejaz
al-Hejaz, also Hijaz is a region in the west of present-day Saudi Arabia. Defined primarily by its western border on the Red Sea, it extends from Haql on the Gulf of Aqaba to Jizan. Its main city is Jeddah, but it is probably better known for the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina...

Province).
Letter 34, A letter to Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr. Muhammad was appointed Governor of Egypt by Ali, later on Ali replaced him and appointed Malik al-Ashtar 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 Abi Bakr (former Governor of Egypt was killed by the guerrillas of Muawiyah I, Ali wrote this letter to `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas (the new Governor).
letter 36, A letter to his (Ali's) brother, Aqeel ibn Abi Talib
Aqeel ibn Abi Talib
Aqeel ibn Abi Talib was born in the year 590.Aqeel was second of four sons of Abu Talib, who was the uncle and protector of Muhammad and brother of Ali ibn Abi Talib. Aqeel's nickname was Abu Yazid...

.
Letter 37, A short letter to Muawiyah I. "Allaho Akbar
Takbir
The Takbīr or Tekbir is the Arabic term for the phrase ' . It is usually translated "God is [the] Greatest," or "God is Great". It is a common Islamic Arabic expression...

. How hopelessly you are engulfed in your inordinate and sinful desires."
Letter 38, A letter to the people of Egypt, telling them about Malik al-Ashtar, when he was appointed Governor of Egypt.
letter 39, A letter to 'Amr ibn al-'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 the public treasury. This letter is to the unknown Governor.
Letter 42, written to Umar ibn Abu Salama Mukhzumi, when Ali replaced him with Nu'man ibn Ajlan Zuraqi for the Governorship of Bahrain
Bahrain
' , officially the Kingdom of Bahrain , is a small island state near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. It is ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family. The population in 2010 stood at 1,214,705, including 235,108 non-nationals. Formerly an emirate, Bahrain was declared a kingdom in 2002.Bahrain is...

.
Letter 43, A letter to Muskala ibn Hubayra Shaybani who was the Governor of Ardshir Khurra.
Letter 44, Ziyad was a Governor of Ali, when Muawiyah I came to power in Bilad al-Sham he tried to bribe Ziyad, in order to befriend him. When 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 luxurious dinner given by a rich man of Basra. Ali wrote this letter regarding this matter.
Letter 46, A letter to one of his Governors.
Letter 47, contains the words in which Ali advised Husayn ibn Ali and Hasan ibn Ali, shortly after being wounded by Abdur Rahman ibn Muljim, while offering the Fajr
Fajr
The Fajr prayer is the first of the five daily prayers offered by practising Muslims. The five daily prayers collectively form one pillar of the Five Pillars of Islam, in Sunni Islam, and one of the ten Practices of the Religion according to Shia Islam.The Fajr prayer is mentioned by name in the...

Salah (morning prayers).
Letter 48, A letter to Muawiyah I. "Remember that inequity and falsehood bring disgrace to a man in this world and in the hereafter"
Letter 49, Another short letter to Muawiyah I.
Letter 50, A circular to the chiefs of his army.
Letter 51, A letter to the collectors of taxes and revenues. In it Ali tells the tax collectors that they have a huge responsibility, and they must carry out the duty sincerely and with fairness and justice. "In collection of taxes and revenues do not sell their winter and summer clothings ... do not resort to whipping; do not touch their property; be they Muslims or non-Muslims."
Letter 52, is a highly valuable source to determine the timing of Salah. In it Ali informs the timing of prayers. "Lead the Zohr
Dhuhr
The dhuhr prayer is the prayer after midday Performed daily by practicing Muslims, it is the second of the five daily prayers...

prayers till the shadow of a wall becomes equal to the height of the wall. The Asr
Asr
The Asr prayer is the afternoon daily prayer recited by practising Muslims. It is the third of the five daily prayers . The five daily prayers collectively are one pillar of the Five Pillars of Islam, in Sunni Islam, and one of the ten Practices of the Religion according to Shia Islam...

prayers can be performed till the sun is still bright and enough time of the day is left for a person to cover a distance of six miles. The maghrib
Maghrib
The Maghrib prayer , prayed just after sunset, is the fourth of five formal daily prayers performed by practicing Muslims.The formal daily prayers of Islam comprise different numbers of units, called rak'at. The Maghrib prayer has three obligatory rak'at. The first two fard rak'at are prayed...

prayers should be performed when people open their fast
Sawm
Sawm is an Arabic word for fasting regulated by Islamic jurisprudence. In the terminology of Islamic law, Sawm means to abstain from eating, drinking , having sex and anything against Islamic law...

and when Hajj pilgrims return from Arafat
Mount Arafat
Mount Arafat or Mount Arafah is a granite hill east of Mecca. It is also known as the Mount of Mercy . The hill is the place Muslims believe the Islamic prophet Muhammad stood and delivered the Farewell Sermon to the Muslims who had accompanied him for the Hajj towards the end of his life...

. And the time for Isha
Isha'a
The Isha prayer is the night-time daily prayer recited by practising Muslims. It is the fifth of the five daily prayers– [islamic evening begins at maghrib]. The five daily prayers collectively are one pillar of the Five Pillars of Islam, in Sunni Islam, and one of the ten Practices of the...

prayers is when the red glow of the evening twilight disappears from the west... The morning prayers are to be performed when there appears enough light of the dawn for a man to recognize the face of his companion."
Letter 53, Is a very long letter that contains instructions to Malik al-Ashtar, after he was appointed Governor of Egypt. Never say to yourself, "I am their lord, their ruler and all in all over them and that I must be obeyed submissively and humbly".
Letter 54, A letter to Talhah and Al-Zubayr, "...both of you know very well that I did not approach the people to get the oath of allegiance but they came to me with their desire to make me their Amir
Emir
Emir , meaning "commander", "general", or "prince"; also transliterated as Amir, Aamir or Ameer) is a title of high office, used throughout the Muslim world...

(ruler)... And you to were among those who had flocked round me to swear the oath".
Letter 55, A letter to Muawiya, "I swear, and my oath is such that I have no intention of breaking it, that if fate so arranges as to bring us face to face against each other than I shall not leave the battle field: Until Allah judges between us, and He is the best judge. (surah al-Araf, 7:87)
Letter 56, Shuray ibn Hani was appointed commanding officer of the vanguard of Ali's army, which was marching towards Syria. Instructions to Hani were sent through this Letter.
Letter 57, When leaving Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...

for Basra, Ali wrote this letter to the people of Kufa. "... I invite in the Name of Allah those to whom this letter reaches, to come and see for themselves whether I am in the right or in the wrong."
Letter 58, A letter sent by Ali to people of various provinces, giving them the reasons of the Battle of Siffin.
Letter 59, A letter to Aswad ibn Qatiba, the Governor of Hulwan. In it Ali gives Aswad a great piece of advice, "Keep yourself away from what you consider bad and evil in others".
Letter 60, A circular-letter sent to those Governors and State officials, through whose territory the armies of Ali were to pass.
Letter 61, Kumayl ibn Ziyad Nakhai was Governor of Hayit. Once he left his province unguarded, which gave the Syrian guerrillas to attack and loot the people of Hiyat. After this incident Hiyat sent a letter to Ali asking for permission to take revenge on the Syrian province of Kirkisiya. Kumayl was let known that Ali had not given him permission to invade Kikisiya through letter 61.
Letter 62, When Ali appointed Malik ibn Harith Ashtar the Governor of Egypt, he gave him this letter to be read out to the people of Egypt.
Letter 63, Abdullah ibn Qays (also known as Abu-Musa al-Asha'ari
Abu-Musa al-Asha'ari
Abu-Musa Abd-Allah ibn Qays al-Ash'ari, better known as Abu Musa al-Ashari was a companion of the prophet Muhammad and important figure in early Islamic history...

), was a man with weak faith, who was attracted to wealth and worldly desires even at the cost of religion. When Ali assumed the Caliphate, Abu Musa was in Kufa. When he found out that Talhah, Az Zubayr and Aisha were preparing for the Battle of Bassorah, he decided to act wisely and be friendly to both parties, he started saying, "Though Ali was the lawful Caliph of Muslims, yet it was not correct for him to fight against other Muslims". When Ali found out that through this statement he (Abu Musa) was trying to persuade people not to help him (Ali), Ali replied in Letter 63. "I shall not allow you to sit peacefully at home with a double face, one for each party and I shall expose you to the people."
Letter 64, A reply to Muawiyah I. In it Ali accuses Muawiyah I of revolting against Islam. "... we are faithful and staunch followers of Islam and you have revolted against it."
Letter 65, Another letter to Muawiyah I. "It will be great misfortune for Muslims if you become their despotic ruler after me ..."
Letter 66, A letter containing advice given to `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas. Later Abdullah stated that except the advice of Muhammad, no other advice had been so useful to him.
Letter 67, A letter to the Governor of Mecca, Qutham ibn Abbas (the brother of `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas).
Letter 68, Ali wrote this letter to Salman the Persian
Salman the Persian
Salman the Persian or Salman al Farisi was one of Muhammad's companions.During some of his later meetings with the other Sahaba, he was referred to as Abu Abdullah .-Birth place:...

, before the start of Ali's caliphate.
Letter 69, A letter to Harith Hamdani.
Letter 70, A letter to his Governor of Medina, Suhayl ibn Hunayf. The letter was written when some Medinites had left Suhayl and gone over to Muawiyah I. "Do not feel sorry for those who have left you ... Their turning of faces away from Allah ... and of stealthily walking over to sin and vice..."
Letter 71, Ali had entrusted Munzir ibn Jarud Abdi to a high ranking official position. Munzir misused his position, thereupon Ali wrote this letter to him. "I thought you were a worthy son of a worthy father ... If all that is reported to me about you is correct, then the very camel you own or even the shoe-strap is superior to you."
Letter 72, A letter to `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas.
Letter 73, A letter to Muawiyah I. "Beware that Satan has made you incorrigible, it has made you blind to good things as shown by the [Muhammad] and deaf to his teachings."
Letter 74, is a treaty (which Ali worded) between the Yemanites and the Bani Rabia tribe.
Letter 75, After all Muslims accepted Ali ibn Abi Talib as the rightful caliph, he wrote this letter to Muawiyah I. In it Ali tells Muawiyah I to pay his oath of allegiance to him.
Letter 76, This letters contains the instructions given to `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas, when he was appointed as Ali's representative to Basra.
Letter 77, Another letter containing instruction to `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas, when he was sent to the Kharijites.
Letter 78, A letter to Abdullah ibn Qays (also known as Abu Musa Ashari).
Letter 79, This the final letter in the collection. It is an order issued by Ali to his generals when he took over the Caliphate of the Muslims Empire: "Verily previous rulers have come to sad ends because they prevented people from getting their just rights. They got corrupted and could be purchased, when they were tempted by sins and vices; they were led astray and they followed the wicked lead."

Translations of Nahj al-Balagha

English

Nahj al-balaghah / Peak of Eloquence. 3rd ed. Trans. Sayed ‘Ali Reza. Elmhurst: Tahrike Tarsile, 1984.

Nahj al-balaghah. Ed. Muhyi al-Din ‘Abd al-Hamid with commentary from al-Shaykh Muhammad ‘Abduh. 3 vols. al-Qahirah: Matba‘at al-Istiqamah, n.d.

French

La voie de l’éloquence. Ed. Sayyid ‘Attia Abul Naga. Trans. Samih ‘Atef El Zein et al. 2nd ed. Qum: Ansariyan, n.d.

Romanian

Nahj al-balagha / Calea vorbirii alese. Trans. George Grigore
George Grigore
George Grigore is a Romanian writer, essayist, translator, professor, researcher in Middle Eastern Studies.-Biography:...

. Cluj-Napoca: Kriterion, 2008.

Russian

Путь красноречия (Put' krasnorechiya). Trans. Abdulkarim Taras Cherniyenko. Moscow: Восточная литература (Vostochnaya literatura), 2008.

Spanish

La cumbre de la elocuencia. Trans. Mohammed ‘Alí Anzaldúa-Morales. Elmhurst: Tahrike Tarsile, 1988.

External links

Nahj ul Balagha - Sermons, Sayings & Letters
Nahj al-Balagha website
Nahj al-Balagha with English translation
Nahj al-Balagha and Commentaries Online
Nahj al-Balagha and Commentaries Online
Nahj al-Balaghah(Peak of Elequance)
regarding authenticity on al-islam1.org
Miraculous Words of Ali, Nahj al Balagha by Qazi Dr. Shaikh Abbas Borhany

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