Hawzah News Agency- The event aimed to shed light on the scientific, intellectual, and ethical dimensions of Nahj al-Balagha—the renowned collection of sermons, letters, and aphorisms attributed to the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali, peace be upon him. Participants stressed the urgent need for the younger generation to engage seriously with this foundational Islamic text and to move beyond a purely ceremonial familiarity with Imam Ali’s legacy.
Nahj al-Balagha: A Universal Treasury of Knowledge
Speakers at the conference described Nahj al-Balagha as a unique and comprehensive treasury of divine and human knowledge, encompassing monotheism, the philosophy of creation, ethics, social justice, governance, and principles for righteous living. They noted that the depth and universality of its content have attracted sustained attention from both Muslim and non-Muslim scholars over centuries.
The conference highlighted the extensive contributions of Christian thinkers and Sunni scholars in interpreting and explaining Nahj al-Balagha, including the well-known commentaries of Ibn Abi al-Hadid al-Mu‘tazili. Participants noted that the book has been translated into most major living languages, underscoring its global reach and enduring relevance.
Despite this international recognition, speakers expressed concern that Nahj al-Balagha remains largely neglected in many Shiite households across the Indian subcontinent, where it is often present but rarely studied in depth.
Concern Over Neglect of Imam Ali’s Intellectual Legacy
Several scholars criticized the prevailing tendency to emphasize only the bravery and valor of Imam Ali, peace be upon him, in religious gatherings, while overlooking the profound intellectual and scientific dimensions of his teachings. They pointed out that while the famous hadith, “I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate,” is frequently quoted, the actual content of Imam Ali’s sermons, letters, and directives receives insufficient attention.
They argued that reviving engagement with Nahj al-Balagha is essential for addressing contemporary moral, social, and political challenges facing Muslim societies.
Non-Muslim Perspectives and Global Recognition
Hojatoleslam Siraj Naqvi, a prominent Indian journalist and researcher, addressed the role of non-Muslim and non-Shiite scholars in introducing Nahj al-Balagha to the wider world. He cited the remarks of an English thinker who, after reading Imam Ali’s sermon on the creation of the universe, reportedly said: “Either this world was created by Ali, or it was created before his eyes,” highlighting the extraordinary depth of insight found in the text.
Book Exhibition and Research Initiatives
During the event, Indian scholar Hojatoleslam Shahwar Naqvi said the conference was organized in response to a pressing need within the Shiite community—particularly among youth—for a deeper and more systematic understanding of Nahj al-Balagha. He announced the launch of a book exhibition featuring major commentaries, translations, and research works related to the text.
Naqvi also unveiled a compiled catalogue of commentators on Nahj al-Balagha, along with concise biographical notes, describing it as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and researchers.
Part of Birth Anniversary Commemorations
The conference and exhibition were held as part of broader programs marking the birth anniversary of Amir al-Mu’minin Imam Ali, peace be upon him. The event was widely welcomed by academics, seminary students, and admirers of the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, reflecting a growing interest in reviving Imam Ali’s intellectual and moral heritage in contemporary discourse.
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