Nahjul-Balagha (Path of Eloquence)

Nahjul-Balagha (Path of Eloquence)

  The book consists of several parts. In the first, he discusses the two main characteristics of Nahjul-Balagha, its literary excellence and multi-dimensionality, quoting various viewpoints expressed about Imam Ali’s eloquence in general and Nahjul-Balagha in particular. In the second part, the author discusses the theological and metaphysical ideas embedded in Nahjul-Balagha, comparing them with parallel viewpoints with which Muslim orators and philosophers are familiar. The third part deals with ibada (adoration) and its various levels. The fourth part deals with the Islamic Government and Social Justice. The fifth, which deals with the controversial issue of caliphate (khilafa) and the superior status of Ahl al-Bayt (AS), is deleted from this translation. The sixth and the seventh parts discuss Nahjul-Balagha's ethical teachings, in particular the Islamic Concept of zuhd (asceticism), the meaning of the life in this world (dunya), so often condemned in Nahjul-Balagha, and the meaning of the contrast between life in this world and that in the Hereafter, which is also a recurring theme. Yasin T. al-Jibouri, Translator of this book, has so far written, edited and translated 57 books and other publications, not counting this one. Details and some front cover images of these publications are included on pages 43 - 89 of his other book titled Mary and Jesus in Islam which AuthorHouse has already published (ISBN 9781468523201 or 9781468523218). He earned his graduate degree in English from an American university, taught English in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United States and is presently preparing for publication Volume Two of his book titled Allah: The Concept of God in Islam, the first volume of which has already been published by Authorhouse (ISBN 9781468532722, 9781468532739 or 9781468532746). He is also working on Volume One of his other major work titled Dictionary of Islamic Terms. Many intellectuals worldwide regard this book's eloquence, language and contents with very high regards, and you will find out why when you read it. It is the compilation of some sermons, letters and axioms of Ali ibn Abu Talib, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet of Islam, who played a major role in shaping the society and politics not only of his time but of all time to come. There are other editions of this great book in many languages, and Yasin T. al-Jibouri has been editing one of them. Here are some of its translations: 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: Nahjul-Balagha / Calea vorbirii alese. Trans. Geroge Grigore. 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-Qur'an, Inc., 1988. There is also an Urdu translation of this great book.