Thursday Night Study Circles - NB

Discourse on Nahj Al-Balaagha

The aim of these sessions is twofold. Firstly, to offer some insight into the society existing at the time of Imam Ali (a.s) to gain an understanding of the context in which Nahj Al-Balaagha was written. In this way, we may come to an appreciation of certain trends and concepts of that society, why Imam Ali (a.s) wrote his various sermons and letters and how these may be relevant today. Secondly, to introduce the spiritual wisdom of Imam Ali (a.s) so that we may understand and benefit from the spiritual aspect of his personality.

Outcome:

Participants will benefit by an enhanced understanding of the context and spiritual wisdom of Nahj Al-Balaagha. Inshallah.

Subject Headings:

A. Status of Nahj Al-Balaagha
B. Background of Society in which Prophet Functioned
C. Key words, their ‘Basic’ Meaning and ‘Relational’ Meaning
D. Different categories of ethical concepts in the Quran
E. Imam Ali a.s.’s Spiritual ethos
F. Reflection of Imam’s Personality through Nahj Al-Balaagha

Required Core Reading by the Participants:

1. Sermon 1 of Nahj Al-Balaagha. In this sermon, Imam Ali a.s. recalls the creation of earth and sky and the birth of Adam a.s.
2. Saying number 147. Imam Ali a.s. conversation with Kumayl Ibn Ziyad titled ‘People are of three types’
3. Document of Instruction 53. Written to Malik ibn Ashtar on governance