Nahj al-BalÄghah: The Wisdom and Eloquence of Ê¿AlÄ«
Raá¸Ä«âs Introductionp. 98
Section 1: Orations: Chapter containing selections from the Commander of the Faithfulâs orations and directives, including selections from his addresses that may be likened to orations, spoken in charged gatherings, famous battles, and times of danger
| 1.1 |
Creation of sky, earth, angels, Adam, and prophets, and the hajj1 âI praise God. Yet no speaker can articulate his praiseâ (â® |
| 1.2 |
Following á¹¢iffÄ«n, state of the people before Muḥammad, praise for the Prophetâs family âI praise God, seeking the completion of his favorâ (â® |
| 1.3 |
âThe Roar of the Camel Stallionâ (Shiqshiqiyyah), on the caliphate âBy God, that man donned its cloak knowing that I am the pivot to its grinding stoneâ (â® |
| 1.4 |
Following the Battle of the Camel âThrough us you received guidance in the dark nightâ (â® |
| 1.5 |
To Ê¿AbbÄs and AbÅ« SufyÄn following the Prophetâs death, regarding the succession âPeople! Cut through the waves of rebellion by boarding the ark of salvationâ (â® |
| 1.6 |
When advised not to fight Ṭalḥah and Zubayr âBy God, I shall not behave like the hyena that, sleeping through a prolonged barrage of pebbles, is capturedâ (â® |
| 1.7 |
Censuring a group of his challengers âThey made Satan master of their affairs and he made them his partnersâ (â® |
| 1.8 |
Before the Battle of the Camel, about Zubayr âHe declares that he pledged allegiance with his hand but not his heartâ (â® |
| 1.9 |
Before the Battle of the Camel, in response to a speech by Talḥah âThey thundered and blazed but that is the way of cowardsâ (â® |
| 1.10 |
During one of his battles âHark! Satan has mustered his host and armed his cavalry and infantryâ (â® |
| 1.11 |
Instructions to Ibn al-Ḥanafiyyah at the Battle of the Camel, charging him with the banner âMountains may move, but you should notâ (â® |
| 1.12 |
Following victory at the Battle of the Camel â⦠Our fight has been witnessed by a mighty host in the loins of menâ (â® |
| 1.13 |
Following the Battle of the Camel, criticizing Basra and rebuking its people âYou fought for the woman and followed the camelâ (â® |
| 1.14 |
In Basra, following the Battle of the Camel âYour land is close to the sea and far from the skyâ (â® |
| 1.15 |
In Medina after he became caliph, on returning Ê¿UthmÄnâs land grants to the treasury âBy God, even if the money had been spent to wed womenâ (â® |
| 1.16 |
In Medina, when he became caliph âI guarantee the truth of what I say and stand as surety for my pledgeâ (â® |
| 1.17 |
Censuring self-styled authorities âThe most hateful creatures in Godâs eyes are of two kindsâ (â® |
| 1.18 |
Censuring scholars who follow their whims âWhen a case comes to one of them, he passes judgment based on his capricious opinionâ (â® |
| 1.19 |
When AshÊ¿ath challenged him on the pulpit âWhat do you know about what goes against meâ (â® |
| 1.20 |
What comes after death âIf you saw what the dead seeâ (â® |
| 1.21 |
The swift passage of life âThe end is ahead of you and the dreaded hour drives your caravan to the waterholeâ (â® |
| 1.22 |
Before the Battle of the Camel, on his opponentsâ responsibility for Ê¿UthmÄnâs killing âHear me! Satan has roared to his followersâ (â® |
| 1.23 |
Unimportance of wealth, value of kin âGodâs command descends from the sky to the earth like raindropsâ (â® |
| 1.24 |
Urging followers to fight for truth âBy my life, no softness or weakness shall hold me back from fighting those who challenge the truthâ (â® |
| 1.25 |
Censuring followers for not fighting in the cause of truth âI only have you, Kufaâ (â® |
| 1.26 |
The Arabs before Islam, Ê¿AlÄ«âs situation when Muḥammad died, Ê¿Amr ibn al-Ê¿Äá¹£âs corrupt deal with MuÊ¿Äwiyah âGod sent Muḥammad as a warner to all peoplesâ (â® |
| 1.27 |
Censuring followers for not fighting MuÊ¿Äwiyah, after SufyÄn al-GhÄmidÄ«âs attack on Anbar âJihad is a door to heaven that God has opened for his special devoteesâ (â® |
| 1.28 |
Eid sermon containing pious counsel âThe world has shown its back and proclaimed its farewellâ (â® |
| 1.29 |
Censuring his followers, after á¸aḥḥÄkâs attack on pilgrims at ThaÊ¿labiyyah âPeople! You are together in body but divided in aspirationâ (â® |
| 1.30 |
About Ê¿UthmÄn and his assassination âIf I had commanded it I would be a killerâ (â® |
| 1.31 |
Instructions to Ê¿AbdallÄh ibn al-Ê¿AbbÄs before the Battle of the Camel, to speak with Zubayr, not Ṭalḥah âDonât speak with Ṭalḥah, for you will find him a bull with twisted hornsâ (â® |
| 1.32 |
Four categories of men who seek to rule, pious counsel âPeople! We live in a challenging ageâ (â® |
| 1.33 |
At DhÅ« QÄr, before the Battle of the Camel âGod sent Muḥammad when no Arab read scriptureâ (â® |
| 1.34 |
After the Battle of NahrawÄn, urging followers to fight MuÊ¿Äwiyah âShame! I am tired of rebuking you!â (â® |
| 1.35 |
After the arbitration âI praise God even though this age has brought a great calamityâ (â® |
| 1.36 |
Before the Battle of NahrawÄn, warning the Kharijites âI warn you! Take heed or you will soon be corpses strewn at the bend of this riverâ (â® |
| 1.37 |
After the Battle of NahrawÄn, describing his precedence in Islam, and his situation after the Prophetâs death âI answered Muḥammadâs call when others held backâ (â® |
| 1.38 |
On doubtâs resemblance to truth âDoubt is called doubt because it resembles truthâ (â® |
| 1.39 |
Censuring followers for not fighting, after the attack on Ê¿Ayn al-Tamr âI am tested with followers who do not obey my commandâ (â® |
| 1.40 |
About the Kharijitesâ statement, âNo rule save Godâs!â âThe statement is true, but the intent is falseâ (â® |
| 1.41 |
Ê¿AlÄ« and his enemy âLoyalty is honestyâs twinâ (â® |
| 1.42 |
In Basra, following the Battle of the Camel, pious counsel âPeople! I fear most for you two thingsâ (â® |
| 1.43 |
When advised to hasten in attacking MuÊ¿Äwiyah âIf I prepared to battle the Syrians while JarÄ«r is still with them, I would close the door to reconciliationâ (â® |
| 1.44 |
Following Maá¹£qalahâs defection to MuÊ¿Äwiyah, after the BanÅ« NÄjiyah incident âMay God strike Maá¹£qalah with shame!â (â® |
| 1.45 |
Eid sermon with pious counsel âI praise God, never uncertain of his mercyâ (â® |
| 1.46 |
Supplication when marching on Syria âGod, protect me from the hardships of travelâ (â® |
| 1.47 |
Prophecy about Kufa âI see you, Kufa, stretched like raw leather on display at the Market of Ê¿UkÄáºâ (â® |
| 1.48 |
Informing of his instructions to his vanguard, when commencing the march on Syria âI praise God whenever night spreads and darkensâ (â® |
| 1.49 |
Godâs transcendence âPraise God, who is concealed in unseen mysteriesâ (â® |
| 1.50 |
After the arbitration âRevolt begins with the indulgence of whimsâ (â® |
| 1.51 |
Urging his army to fight at á¹¢iffÄ«n, when MuÊ¿Äwiyah blocked access to water âBy this act, they beg to be fed the victuals of warâ (â® |
| 1.52 |
Eid of Sacrifice sermon with pious counsel, sacrificial animal âHarken! The world has severed its ropeâ (â® |
| 1.53 |
The Medinansâ eagerness to pledge allegiance to him as caliph, reasons to fight the Syrians âThey crowded me like parched camels jostling at the waterholeâ (â® |
| 1.54 |
To troops at á¹¢iffÄ«n, allaying their impatience to begin fighting âYou taunt, âAll these excuses to avoid death!ââ (â® |
| 1.55 |
At or after the Battle of á¹¢iffÄ«n, describing Muḥammadâs Companionsâ sincerity and courage âWe fought in support of Godâs Messenger and killed our fathersâ (â® |
| 1.56 |
Prophecy and instructions for the future âAfter me, you will be ruled by a man with a large maw and a massive bellyâ (â® |
| 1.57 |
To the Kharijites at NahrawÄn âMay you be wiped out by sandstorms!â (â® |
| 1.58 |
Before the Battle of NahrawÄn, when told that the Kharijites had escaped âTheir deaths are written on this side of the clear waterâ (â® |
| 1.59 |
When warned about Ibn Muljamâs intent to assassinate him âI am protected by Godâs shieldâ (â® |
| 1.60 |
Censure of this world âHear me! The world is an abode from which you cannot be saved except within itâ (â® |
| 1.61 |
Counsel to consciousness of God âBe conscious of God, O servants of God, and outrace your imminent end with good deedsâ (â® |
| 1.62 |
Godâs transcendence âNo state for God precedes another stateâ (â® |
| 1.63 |
Instructions to troops at á¹¢iffÄ«n âMuslims! Sheathe yourselves in Godâs awe ⦠bite down hard on your back teethâ (â® |
| 1.64 |
Following the Prophetâs death, response to report about the Assembly at the Portico âDid you not remind them of the Messengerâs directiveâ (â® |
| 1.65 |
When Muḥammad ibn AbÄ« Bakr was killed, and the Umayyads took over Egypt âMy own choice for governor of Egypt was HÄshim ibn Ê¿Utbahâ (â® |
| 1.66 |
Censuring followers for not fighting, after Ibn BashÄ«râs attack on Ê¿Ayn al-Tamr âHow long should I coax you and blandish you? How long must I handle you gingerly as a young camel whose hump a heavy load would crush?â (â® |
| 1.67 |
In the predawn hour of the day in which he was struck his deathblow âSleep overtook me as I sat, and the Messenger appeared before my eyesâ (â® |
| 1.68 |
Following á¹¢iffÄ«n, censuring followers for agreeing to a truce on the verge of victory âIraqis! You are like a pregnant woman who, at full term, delivers a stillborn childâ (â® |
| 1.69 |
Invoking blessings on the Prophet and praising him âGod, unfolder of lands unfoldedâ (â® |
| 1.70 |
About MarwÄn, when he offered the pledge to Ê¿AlÄ« after the Battle of the Camel âDid he not pledge allegiance to me right after Ê¿UthmÄn was killed?â (â® |
| 1.71 |
To the ShÅ«rÄ Council, when they resolved to install Ê¿UthmÄn as caliph âYou know full well that I have more right to the caliphate than anyone elseâ (â® |
| 1.72 |
When the Umayyads accused him of complicity in Ê¿UthmÄnâs killing âIs the Umayyadsâ own knowledge of my character not enough to stop them from injuring me?â (â® |
| 1.73 |
Pious counsel âMay God have mercy on the man who listens to wisdom and retainsâ (â® |
| 1.74 |
Response to a gift sent by SaÊ¿Ä«d ibn al-Ê¿Äá¹£, Ê¿UthmÄnâs governor in Kufa âThe Umayyads stingily throw at me my share of Muḥammadâs inheritance, piece by pieceâ (â® |
| 1.75 |
A frequent supplication âGod, forgive my sinsâyou know more about them than I doâ (â® |
| 1.76 |
To an associate who cited astrological portents and warned him against marching on the Kharijites âDo you presume to guide me to the hour in which those who advance are shielded from injury?â (â® |
| 1.77 |
To the Basran army following their defeat at the Battle of the Camel, oblique censure of Ê¿Äʾishah âPeople! Women are deficient in faithâ (â® |
| 1.78 |
Pious counsel âPeople! To reject worldliness is to desire littleâ (â® |
| 1.79 |
Censure of the world âHow do I describe a world that begins in weariness and ends in deathâ (â® |
| 1.80 |
The Radiant Oration (GharrÄʾ), lengthy pious counsel âPraise God, exalted in his might and near through his graceâ (â® |
| 1.81 |
Ê¿Amr ibn al-Ê¿Äá¹£âs hypocrisy and Ê¿AlÄ«âs virtue âHow strange! The Harlotâs son tells the Syrians that I have a streak of foolishnessâ (â® |
| 1.82 |
Godâs transcendence, paradise, pious counsel âI bear witness that there is no god but God, who has no partner. He is the first, for there was nothing before himâ (â® |
| 1.83 |
Pious counsel âGod knows your thoughts and discerns your feelingsâ (â® |
| 1.84 |
Pious versus immoral scholars, the Prophetâs family âServants of God! The most beloved of his servants ⦠keeps his passions under controlâ (â® |
| 1.85 |
In Medina, early in Ê¿AlÄ«âs caliphate, describing the errant âGod has not crushed tyrants of any era except after a long respiteâ (â® |
| 1.86 |
On the Prophetâs mission âGod sent Muḥammad when an age had gone by without prophetsâ (â® |
| 1.87 |
Godâs transcendence, pious counsel âGod is recognized without being seenâ (â® |
| 1.88 |
The Oration on Ethereal Forms (AshbÄḥ), on Godâs transcendence, his creation of skies, angels, the earth, and prayer âPraise God, whom withholding does not make richerâ (â® |
| 1.89 |
After Ê¿UthmÄnâs death, when entreated to assume the caliphate âLeave me and seek anotherâ (â® |
| 1.90 |
Ê¿AlÄ«âs virtue, prophecy of the Umayyadsâ harsh governance after him âPeople! I have gouged out the eyes of revoltâ (â® |
| 1.91 |
Godâs transcendence, the Prophetâs ancestry, pious counsel âBlessed is God! Vaunting aspirations cannot attain himâ (â® |
| 1.92 |
Muḥammadâs mission âAt the time when God sent Muḥammad as a prophet, people wandered in confusionâ (â® |
| 1.93 |
Godâs transcendence, the Prophetâs ancestry and mission âPraise God! He is the firstâthere was nothing before himâ (â® |
| 1.94 |
After the arbitration, chastising followers for disobedience, comparing them unfavorably to the Prophetâs Companions âGod may have granted the tyrant a reprieve, but he will surely apprehend himâ (â® |
| 1.95 |
At á¹¢iffÄ«n, censuring the Umayyads âBy God, they will continue thus until they commit every forbidden actâ (â® |
| 1.96 |
Friday sermon early in Ê¿AlÄ«âs caliphate, pious counsel âWe praise him for favors past and seek his help for what is to comeâ (â® |
| 1.97 |
Muḥammad and his family âPraise God who extended his grace to all creaturesâ (â® |
| 1.98 |
Godâs transcendence, prophesy of an epic battle âHe is the first before every firstâ (â® |
| 1.99 |
Judgment day, prophecy of coming seditions âOn that day, God will assemble all who went before and all who came afterâ (â® |
| 1.100 |
Pious counsel, praise of the learned, prophecy of difficult times to come âLook at the world with the eyes of those who have little interest in herâ (â® |
| 1.101 |
Ê¿AlÄ«âs support of the Prophetâs mission âGod sent Muḥammad as a prophet when no Arab read scriptureâ (â® |
| 1.102 |
In Medina early in Ê¿AlÄ«âs caliphate, a leaderâs accountability to God, pious counsel âGod sent Muḥammad as a witness, a herald, and a warnerâ (â® |
| 1.103 |
Islam and its Prophet âPraise God who paved the path of Islamâ (â® |
| 1.104 |
At á¹¢iffÄ«n, praising the right wingâs return to battle âI saw you turn away from your battle lines and fall backâ (â® |
| 1.105 |
Godâs majesty, the Prophet as a physician healing hearts, censure of followers for errant ways, warning of evil times âPraise God, who appears to his creation through his creationâ (â® |
| 1.106 |
God as creator and sustainer, angels, humansâ blind love for the world, imminence and horrors of death, praise for the Prophet and his family âEverything bows to him, and everything exists through himâ (â® |
| 1.107 |
Worship rites and Godâs remembrance âThe deeds that bring you closest to God are the followingâ (â® |
| 1.108 |
Censure of the world âI warn you against this world, for it is sweet and lush and surrounded by temptationsâ (â® |
| 1.109 |
Angel of death âDo you sense his presence when he enters a homeâ (â® |
| 1.110 |
Warning of lifeâs transience, censure of followers âI warn you of this world: it is a home from which you will be uprootedâ (â® |
| 1.111 |
Godâs favors, pious counsel, and this world âPraise God who has linked praise with favors and favors with thanksâ (â® |
| 1.112 |
Supplication for rain âGod, our mountains are parched, and our plains have filled with dustâ (â® |
| 1.113 |
The Prophet, followersâ reluctance to fight, warning of a despot to come âGod sent Muḥammad to call toward truth and bear witness to peopleâ (â® |
| 1.114 |
Wealthy who fail to help the needy âYou donât spend your wealth for the one who has provided itâ (â® |
| 1.115 |
Praise of supporters, following the Battle of the Camel âYou are my supporters in the cause of truth and my brothers in faithâ (â® |
| 1.116 |
Chastising supporters for apathy in the wake of a Syrian raid âWhat is wrong with you? What you propose is not the right course or the proper way!â (â® |
| 1.117 |
Ê¿AlÄ«âs virtues, pious counsel âBy God! I have been taught the transmission of Godâs messagesâ (â® |
| 1.118 |
After the arbitration, to the emerging Kharijite faction âThis is how one who relinquishes a sound position is rewarded!â (â® |
| 1.119 |
Reminding the Kharijites of their push for the arbitration, Ê¿AlÄ«âs service to Islam âWhen the Syrians raised leaves from the Qurʾan on spearsâusing trickeryâ (â® |
| 1.120 |
Instructions to troops ahead of á¹¢iffÄ«n âIf any of you finds composure in his heart when meeting the enemyâ (â® |
| 1.121 |
Chastising followers for refusing to fight, presumably after á¹¢iffÄ«n âI see you now, scuttling away like a group of thorn-tailed lizardsâ (â® |
| 1.122 |
Instructions to troops during á¹¢iffÄ«n, exhortation to fight for Godâs cause âPlace the armor-clad in front and the unprotected behindâ (â® |
| 1.123 |
To the Kharijites, saying arbitration was sought from the Qurʾan âI did not appoint men to arbitrateâI sought arbitration from the Qurʾanâ (â® |
| 1.124 |
Response to complaints when Ê¿AlÄ« levelled treasury stipends âDo you urge me to seek victory by oppressing the people I rule?â (â® |
| 1.125 |
To the Kharijites âEven if you insistâand you do so wronglyâon believing that I have sinned and erredâ (â® |
| 1.126 |
To Aḥnaf, foretelling epic fighting in Basra, interpreted as the Zanj revolt âListen, Aḥnaf! I see him marching with troops that raise no dustâ (â® |
| 1.127 |
Transience of life, corrupt trade practices âServants of God! You, with all that you desire of this world, are lodgers with fixed timespansâ (â® |
| 1.128 |
To AbÅ« Dharr al-GhifÄrÄ« when Ê¿UthmÄn exiled him to Rabadhah âAbÅ« Dharr, you were roused to anger in Godâs causeâ (â® |
| 1.129 |
Chastising followers for disobedience, Ê¿AlÄ«âs righteousness âYou divided souls and fragmented hearts!â (â® |
| 1.130 |
Pious counsel âI give praise to God for what he has taken away and what he has grantedâ (â® |
| 1.131 |
Godâs omnipotence, the Qurʾanâs guidance, Muḥammadâs mission, censure of this world âThis world and the hereafter have submitted their reins to Godâ (â® |
| 1.132 |
Response to Ê¿Umarâs query on personally marching against the Byzantines âGod has guaranteed to followers of this faith that he will protect their landâ (â® |
| 1.133 |
To MughÄ«rah ibn al-Akhnas, who offered to Ê¿UthmÄn that he would handle Ê¿AlÄ« âYou son of a barren, cursed fatherâ (â® |
| 1.134 |
Early in Ê¿AlÄ«âs caliphate, on the Medinans sitting out the conflict âYour oath of allegiance to me was not sworn on an impulseâ (â® |
| 1.135 |
Preceding the Battle of the Camel, censure of Ṭalḥah and Zubayr, reminder of entreaties to Ê¿AlÄ« to assume the caliphate after Ê¿UthmÄnâs death âBy God, they have no cause to fault meâ (â® |
| 1.136 |
Prophesy of epic fighting in Iraq âHe will bend passion to conform to guidanceâ (â® |
| 1.137 |
During the ShÅ«rÄ Council âNo one will outpace me in calling to the truthâ (â® |
| 1.138 |
Forbidding the shaming of people for their sins âIt befits those who are protected ⦠to show compassion to sinnersâ (â® |
| 1.139 |
Forbidding giving ear to rumors âPeople! Whoever knows his brother to have strong faith and good ways should not give ear to the rumors men spread about himâ (â® |
| 1.140 |
Urging giving to the needy and forbidding gifts to the undeserving âA person who distributes gifts in unsuitable quarters ⦠earns only the praise of the immoralâ (â® |
| 1.141 |
Supplication for rain âHark! The earth that carries youâ (â® |
| 1.142 |
Praise of prophets and Muḥammadâs family, censure of enemies âGod singled out messengers and sent them bearing the revelationâ (â® |
| 1.143 |
The worldâs vicissitudes, heretical innovations âPeople! You are targets in this world at which the fates shoot their arrowsâ (â® |
| 1.144 |
Response to Ê¿Umarâs query on personally marching against the Persians âIn this matter, victory or defeat will not hinge on how large the number of troops is or how smallâ (â® |
| 1.145 |
Muḥammadâs mission, warning of difficult times âGod sent Muḥammad to turn his servants away from worship of idolsâ (â® |
| 1.146 |
Before the Battle of the Camel, criticizing Ṭalḥah and Zubayr âEach of the two wants the caliphateâ (â® |
| 1.147 |
Pious counsel, just before Ê¿AlÄ«âs death âPeople! Each person shall meet what he flees as he fleesâ (â® |
| 1.148 |
Sedition-mongers âThose others went right and left, travelling the paths of errorâ (â® |
| 1.149 |
Pious counsel, coming seditions âI ask him for aid against Satanâs expulsions and evictionsâ (â® |
| 1.150 |
In Medina early in Ê¿AlÄ«âs caliphate, Godâs transcendence, Godâs religion âPraise God, who demonstrated his existence through his creaturesâ (â® |
| 1.151 |
Enroute from Medina before the Battle of the Camel, pious counsel âSuch men, during the respite granted them by God, fall into errorâ (â® |
| 1.152 |
The family of the Prophet âAn intelligent person possesses a keen heartâ (â® |
| 1.153 |
Marvelous creation of the bat âPraise God! Descriptions are too feeble to plumb his coreâ (â® |
| 1.154 |
To the people of Basra after the Battle of the Camel, his righteousness, oblique criticism of Ê¿Äʾishah, on sedition, and pious counsel âAt that time, whoever is able to bind himself totally to God should do soâ (â® |
| 1.155 |
Pious counsel âPraise God, who made praise the key to his remembranceâ (â® |
| 1.156 |
The Prophet, the Umayyads, prophesy of a quick end to their rule âGod sent Muḥammad after a period without prophetsâ (â® |
| 1.157 |
Ê¿AlÄ«âs forbearance and care for the people âI protected you well and strove to keep you safeâ (â® |
| 1.158 |
Placing hope in God, Muḥammad, Moses, David, and Jesus âHis command constitutes judgment and wisdomâ (â® |
| 1.159 |
The Prophet, pious counsel, lifeâs transience âGod sent Muḥammad with brilliant lightâ (â® |
| 1.160 |
Response when asked: How is it that your tribe has driven you away from this station? âYou man of Asad! Your mountâs girth is loose, and you fire without aimâ (â® |
| 1.161 |
Godâs transcendence, human creation âPraise God, who created his servantsâ (â® |
| 1.162 |
Advice to Ê¿UthmÄn, a little before his death âPeople have gathered behind me, and they have sent me to negotiateâ (â® |
| 1.163 |
The marvelous creation of birds, especially the peacock, marvels of paradise âGod created wondrous creaturesâ (â® |
| 1.164 |
Censuring the Umayyads, chastising followers for weakness and straying âLet your young emulate your elders, let your elders nurture your youngâ (â® |
| 1.165 |
Pious counsel, injunctions to care for the earth and animals âGod has revealed a book to guide youâ (â® |
| 1.166 |
When urged to punish Ê¿UthmÄnâs assailants âBrothers, I am not unmindful of what you know, but how do I enforce retributionâ (â® |
| 1.167 |
Before the Battle of the Camel, Ê¿AlÄ«âs righteousness, his challengersâ iniquity âGod sent a messenger, a guide, with a book that speaksâ (â® |
| 1.168 |
Injunction to a Basran to pledge allegiance âIf the people you represent had sent you as a scout to find out where the rains are fallingâ (â® |
| 1.169 |
Prayer and address just before the Battle of á¹¢iffÄ«n âGod, O Lord of the lofty sky and layers of airâ (â® |
| 1.170 |
Criticizing associates of the Camel, defending his right to the caliphate âPraise God, from whom one sky does not conceal anotherâ (â® |
| 1.171 |
Criticizing associates of the Camel, defending Ê¿AlÄ«âs right to the caliphate, pious counsel âMuḥammad was the trustee of Godâs revelationâ (â® |
| 1.172 |
In Medina when associates of the Camel revolted, Ṭalḥahâs complicity in Ê¿UthmÄnâs killing âI have never been one to be shaken by threats of battleâ (â® |
| 1.173 |
Ê¿AlÄ«âs closeness to the Prophet, censure of followers for moving away from God âO heedless people who go not unheeded!â (â® |
| 1.174 |
Urging godliness, adherence to the Qurʾan, good deeds, and the licit âProfit from Godâs revelationâ (â® |
| 1.175 |
Criticizing the arbitrators âYour majority opinion settled on choosing two arbitratorsâ (â® |
| 1.176 |
In Medina early in Ê¿AlÄ«âs caliphate, Godâs transcendence, pious counsel, past events âNo matter can preoccupy him, no time can alter himâ (â® |
| 1.177 |
On Godâs transcendence, in response to DhiÊ¿libâs question: âHave you seen your Lord?â âEyes do not see him through physical observationâ (â® |
| 1.178 |
Censuring associates for disobedience and apathy, condemning MuÊ¿Äwiyah and Ê¿Amr âI offer praise to God for the affairs he has ordainedâ (â® |
| 1.179 |
Condemnation of faction who left Kufa to join the Kharijites â«Away with» them, «as the ThamÅ«d were done away with!»â (â® |
| 1.180 |
Godâs transcendence and creation, ubi sunt questions, Godâs proof, martyrs of á¹¢iffÄ«n, call to jihad âPraise God, to whom all creation arrivesâ (â® |
| 1.181 |
Praise of God, the Qurʾanâs guidance, pious counsel âPraise be to God, recognized without being seenâ (â® |
| 1.182 |
To the Kharijite Burj ibn Musâhir, who shouted, âNo rule save Godâs!â âSilence! May God disfigure you, you toothless driveller!â (â® |
| 1.183 |
Godâs transcendence, the Prophet, Godâs marvelous creation, including the ant and the locust âPraise God! Senses do not grasp himâ (â® |
| 1.184 |
Godâs transcendence and creation âThose who assign him a form have not acknowledged his onenessâ (â® |
| 1.185 |
Praise of those âwhose names are recognized in the heavens but remain unknown on earth,â prophesy of difficult times âI would offer my father and mother as ransom for that hostâ (â® |
| 1.186 |
Piety, imminence of death âPeople! I counsel you to be conscious of God and to give abundant thanks for his bounties to youâ (â® |
| 1.187 |
Kinds of belief, migration, Ê¿AlÄ«âs deep knowledge, urging people to learn from him before the arrival of sedition âSome peopleâs hearts are firm and steadfast in beliefâ (â® |
| 1.188 |
Describing the pious and urging piety, recognition of God, Godâs messenger, and his family âI offer praise to God in thanks for his blessingsâ (â® |
| 1.189 |
Urging piety and preparation for the hereafter âPraise God, whose praise is pervasiveâ (â® |
| 1.190 |
The Crushing Oration (QÄá¹£iÊ¿ah) containing censure of Lucifer, tribal factionalism, and pride, on lessons provided by past nations who incurred exemplary punishments, Mosesâ and Adamâs humility, placement of Godâs Sacred House in a barren land, ubi sunt, chastisement of Muslims for straying from the path of truth, and description of Ê¿AlÄ«âs closeness to the Prophet âPraise God, who donned robes of might and prideâ (â® |
| 1.191 |
Oration to HammÄm, describing the truly pious âWhen God created people ⦠The pious in this world are people of virtueâ (â® |
| 1.192 |
Hypocrites who feign faith âWe praise God for having guided us toward obedienceâ (â® |
| 1.193 |
Pious counsel âPraise God! He has revealed traces of his authorityâ (â® |
| 1.194 |
The Prophetâs mission, pious counsel âGod sent Muḥammad when no waymark was raisedâ (â® |
| 1.195 |
Ê¿AlÄ«âs loyalty and special closeness to the Prophet âMuḥammadâs true companions knowâ (â® |
| 1.196 |
Urging piety, Godâs knowledge, Islam, Muḥammadâs mission, the Qurʾan âHe knows the bellowing of beasts in the forestâ (â® |
| 1.197 |
Ritual prayer, the alms-levy, and upholding trust âBe diligent in the matter of the ritual prayerâ (â® |
| 1.198 |
Condemning MuÊ¿Äwiyah, declaring his own uprightness âBy God, MuÊ¿Äwiyah is not more astute than I, but he deceives and liesâ (â® |
| 1.199 |
Dissociating from evil people, ThamÅ«dâs slaughter of Godâs camel mare âPeople! Do not be nervous about following the path of guidance because its followers are fewâ (â® |
| 1.200 |
Address to the Prophet at his graveside, after the death of FÄá¹imah âSalutations to you, Messenger of God, from me and from your daughter who has come to stay with youâ (â® |
| 1.201 |
Pious counsel, preparation for the hereafter âPeople! The world is a passage and the hereafter your permanent homeâ (â® |
| 1.202 |
Pious counsel, nearness of death âGather your suppliesâMay God have mercy on you!âfor the call has come to departâ (â® |
| 1.203 |
To Ṭalḥah and Zubayr, who rebuked Ê¿AlÄ« for levelling stipends âYou rebuke me for a small matterâ (â® |
| 1.204 |
To supporters at á¹¢iffÄ«n who cursed the Syrians âI donât like you to curse! Rather, describe their deedsâ (â® |
| 1.205 |
At á¹¢iffÄ«n, when Ḥasan rushed into the fray âHelp me! Restrain this lad!â (â® |
| 1.206 |
At á¹¢iffÄ«n, when Ê¿AlÄ«âs army insisted on accepting MuÊ¿Äwiyahâs call for arbitration âPeople! You have followed my command ⦠but now warfare has worn you outâ (â® |
| 1.207 |
Ê¿AlÄʾ al-ḤÄrithÄ«âs lavish house, his brother Ê¿Äá¹£imâs self-denial âWhat will you do with this large house here in this world?â (â® |
| 1.208 |
Four kinds of hadith reporters âReports current among people today include both the right and the wrongâ (â® |
| 1.209 |
Godâs sublime craftsmanship âThrough his supreme power and sublime and wondrous craftsmanship, God produced dry, solid earth from the raging, crashing, ocean massesâ (â® |
| 1.210 |
For God to bear witness against those who were holding back from fighting for the truth âGod! I ask you, O greatest witness, to bear witness over any of your servants who hear my wordsâ (â® |
| 1.211 |
Godâs transcendence, praise of the Prophet âPraise Godâexalted beyond comparisons to created beingsâ (â® |
| 1.212 |
Praise for those entrusted with preserving Godâs knowledge âI testify that God is the fount of justiceâ (â® |
| 1.213 |
Ê¿AlÄ«âs frequent supplication âPraise God who brought me to this morning alive and healthyâ (â® |
| 1.214 |
At á¹¢iffÄ«n, describing Ê¿AlÄ«âs and his subjectsâ rights, forbidding flattery âGod has given me rights over you ⦠you have rights over meâ (â® |
| 1.215 |
After the Battle of the Camel, describing opponentsâ crimes in Basra âGod! I ask your help against the Quraysh! They have severed my kinshipâ (â® |
| 1.216 |
After the Battle of the Camel, while passing corpses of Ṭalḥah and Ê¿Abd al-RaḥmÄn ibn Ê¿AttÄb âAbÅ« Muḥammad sleeps here this morning, an exile from his home!â (â® |
| 1.217 |
A pious man âThis man resuscitated his intellect and killed his sentient soulâ (â® |
| 1.218 |
Horrors of death, reciting Q TakÄthur 102:1â2: «You are obsessed with gathering more and more until you visit your graves.» âWhat a goal, and how distant!â (â® |
| 1.219 |
Those who remember God, reciting Q NÅ«r 24:37: «They are men whom neither commerce nor trade distract from Godâs remembrance.» âGod has made his remembrance the burnish for your heartsâ (â® |
| 1.220 |
Arrogant humans, reciting Q Infiá¹Är 82:6: «O human, what has deceived you into neglecting your Generous Lord?» âOf all who could be questioned, you have the most unstable argumentsâ (â® |
| 1.221 |
Ê¿AlÄ«âs refusal to give treasury funds to Ê¿AqÄ«l, or to accept AshÊ¿athâs inappropriate gift âBy God! I would prefer to lie on a bed of three-pronged SaÊ¿dÄn thornsâ (â® |
| 1.222 |
Supplication for honest wealth âGod! Protect my countenance through prosperityâ (â® |
| 1.223 |
Censure of this world âThis is a residence encircled by trials and renowned for deceitâ (â® |
| 1.224 |
Supplication for comfort and guidance âGod! You are the greatest comforter for those who love youâ (â® |
| 1.225 |
An upright Companion âMay God cherish the land that produced that man!â (â® |
| 1.226 |
The fervor of the pledge to him as caliph âYou pulled my hand toward you, and I resistedâ (â® |
| 1.227 |
Consciousness of God, approaching death, and renunciants âConsciousness of God is the key to righteousnessâ (â® |
| 1.228 |
At DhÅ« QÄr before the Battle of the Camel, praising the Prophet âGodâs Messenger proclaimed what he had been commanded to proclaimâ (â® |
| 1.229 |
To Ê¿AbdallÄh ibn ZamaÊ¿ah who asked for money from the treasury âThese funds do not belong to me, and they do not belong to youâ (â® |
| 1.230 |
The Prophetâs family, people of Ê¿AlÄ«âs age âHark! The tongue is but an instrument wielded by menâ (â® |
| 1.231 |
Differences among people according to the clay from which they are fashioned âWhat differentiates them is the source of their clayâ (â® |
| 1.232 |
Address to the Prophet while preparing his body for burial âMay my father and mother give their lives for you! Your death has cut short what the death of no other hasâ (â® |
Additional Orationsp. 524
Section 2: Letters: Chapter containing selections from the Commander of the Faithfulâs dispatches and letters to his enemies and his regional governors, including selections from instructions to his tax-collectors and testaments to his family and companions
| 2.1 |
To the people of Kufa, as Ê¿AlÄ« marched on Iraq from Medina, on events preceding and after Ê¿UthmÄnâs death âI write to inform you of what happened to Ê¿UthmÄnâ (â® |
| 2.2 |
To the people of Kufa, after the victory at the Battle of the Camel at Basra âResidents of Kufa, may God reward you on behalf of your Prophetâs family!â (â® |
| 2.3 |
To his judge, Shurayḥ, who had just bought a large house: a âcontractâ âShurayḥ, soon there will come to you one who will not look at your written contractâ (â® |
| 2.4 |
To Ibn Ḥunayf, governor of Basra, when Ṭalḥah, Zubayr, and Ê¿Äʾishah marched there, and many residents turned against Ê¿AlÄ« âIf they reenter the canopy of obedience, then that is what we desireâ (â® |
| 2.5 |
To AshÊ¿ath, governor of Azerbaijan, who had embezzled treasury funds âYour governorship is not a meal for you to devourâ (â® |
| 2.6 |
Sent with JarÄ«r following the Battle of the Camel, to MuÊ¿Äwiyah, persuading him to pledge allegiance âThe same people who pledged allegiance to AbÅ« Bakr, Ê¿Umar, and Ê¿UthmÄn pledged allegiance to meâ (â® |
| 2.7 |
To MuÊ¿Äwiyah, toward the end of the Battle of á¹¢iffÄ«n âI have received from you a string of advice, enclosed in an embroidered epistleâ (â® |
| 2.8 |
To JarÄ«r, emissary to MuÊ¿Äwiyah, before the Battle of á¹¢iffÄ«n, pressing for a decision âWhen you receive my letter, tell MuÊ¿Äwiyah that he must take a final decisionâ (â® |
| 2.9 |
Before the Battle of á¹¢iffÄ«n to MuÊ¿Äwiyah, who had accused Ê¿AlÄ« of envying the earlier caliphs âOur tribe decided to kill our Prophet and extirpate our rootâ (â® |
| 2.10 |
To MuÊ¿Äwiyah, just before marching to á¹¢iffÄ«n âHow will you fare when the robes with which this world adorns herself ⦠are stripped off?â (â® |
| 2.11 |
Instructions sent from Ê¿AlÄ«âs camp at Nukhaylah to ZiyÄd ibn al-Naá¸r and Shurayḥ, commanders of his vanguard to Syria âWhen you reach the enemy, or when they reach you, set up camp just before the high groundâ (â® |
| 2.12 |
Instructions sent from Kufa to MaÊ¿qil, commander of troops who were likely sent against the Kharijite Ḥurayth in Ramhormoz âFear God, whom you must meet ⦠and fight only those who fight youâ (â® |
| 2.13 |
To ZiyÄd ibn al-Naá¸r and Shurayḥ, commanders of the vanguard to Syria, appointing Ashtar over them âI have appointed MÄlik ibn al-ḤÄrith al-Ashtar over both of youâ (â® |
| 2.14 |
Instructions to the army just before the Battle of á¹¢iffÄ«n âDonât attack them unless they attack you firstâ (â® |
| 2.15 |
Battlefield supplication âGod, it is to you that our hearts flowâ (â® |
| 2.16 |
Instructions to the army at the Battle of á¹¢iffÄ«n âDonât hesitate to retreat then assail, to withdraw then attackâ (â® |
| 2.17 |
To MuÊ¿Äwiyah at á¹¢iffÄ«n, refusing to make him governor of Syria, denying that they were peers âYou demand Syria, but Iâm not about to give you today what I refused you yesterdayâ (â® |
| 2.18 |
After the Battle of the Camel to Ê¿AbdallÄh ibn al-Ê¿AbbÄs, governor of Basra, instructing kindness to TamÄ«m tribesmen âKnow that Basra is where IblÄ«s landed after his fall from graceâ (â® |
| 2.19 |
To Ê¿Amr ibn Salamah, governor of Isfahan, in rebuke for harshness to the populace âThe DihqÄn landowners in your province have complained of your harshnessâ (â® |
| 2.20 |
To ZiyÄd, deputy governor of Basra, warning against misappropriating treasury funds âI swear this by God, in all truth: If I hear that you have misappropriated fundsâ (â® |
| 2.21 |
To ZiyÄd, deputy governor of Basra, warning against extravagance âTurn from extravagance to moderationâ (â® |
| 2.22 |
To Ê¿AbdallÄh ibn al-Ê¿AbbÄs in Mecca, following his misappropriation of treasury funds, counselling focus on the hereafter âA man is gladdened by obtaining a thing that he was not going to loseâ (â® |
| 2.23 |
Testament to family and close associates after the death blow âThis is my testament to you: Do not assign partners to Godâ (â® |
| 2.24 |
Ê¿AlÄ«âs will, written after á¹¢iffÄ«n, regarding distribution of properties âThis is what IâGodâs servant, Ê¿AlÄ« ibn AbÄ« ṬÄlib, Commander of the Faithfulâhave directed with regard to my property in the pursuance of Godâs pleasureâ (â® |
| 2.25 |
Instructions to tax collectors about compassion to subjects when assessing their herds, and care while bringing animals to the treasury âSet out in consciousness of Godâ (â® |
| 2.26 |
To Mikhnaf, sent to collect taxes, warning against abusing subjects or misappropriating funds âÊ¿AlÄ« commands his tax collector to be conscious of God in private affairs and hidden actsâ (â® |
| 2.27 |
To Muḥammad ibn AbÄ« Bakr on his appointment as governor of Egypt, instructing piety, fairness, and kindness âLower your wing over themâ (â® |
| 2.28 |
Before the Battle of á¹¢iffÄ«n to MuÊ¿Äwiyah, who again accused Ê¿AlÄ« of envy toward the first three caliphs, virtues of the Prophetâs family, iniquities of MuÊ¿Äwiyahâs clan âI received your letter in which you speak of how God selected Muḥammadâ (â® |
| 2.29 |
To the people of Basra, following MuÊ¿Äwiyahâs seizure of Egypt, when MuÊ¿Äwiyah sent Ibn al-Ḥaá¸ramÄ« to foment dissent in Basra, and Ê¿AlÄ«âs commander JÄriyah defeated and killed him âYou know this well: You severed your rope of allegiance earlier and seceded from the communityâ (â® |
| 2.30 |
To MuÊ¿Äwiyah, presumably before the Battle of á¹¢iffÄ«n, persuading him to obedience âFear God in all that you doâ (â® |
| 2.31 |
The Testament of Ḥasan, written on the way back from á¹¢iffÄ«n, containing lengthy pious counsel âFrom a father who admits the power of timeâ (â® |
| 2.32 |
To MuÊ¿Äwiyah, presumably in the lead-up to á¹¢iffÄ«n âYou have destroyed a whole generation of peopleâ (â® |
| 2.33 |
To Qutham, governor of Mecca, a few months before Ê¿AlÄ«âs death, warning of MuÊ¿Äwiyahâs agents fomenting dissent during the hajj âMy agent in the west has written to inform me that a group of Syrians ⦠are being sent to Mecca this hajj seasonâ (â® |
| 2.34 |
To Muḥammad ibn AbÄ« Bakr, governor of Egypt, extolling Ashtar and explaining Ê¿AlÄ«âs reasons for sending him to take over âI have learned that you are distressed at my sending Ashtar to take charge of your regionâ (â® |
| 2.35 |
To Ê¿AbdallÄh ibn al-Ê¿AbbÄs, praising Muḥammad ibn AbÄ« Bakr, who had been killed in Egypt, and describing Ê¿AlÄ«âs unsuccessful efforts to send aid âEgypt has been conquered, and Muḥammad ibn AbÄ« Bakrâmay God have mercy on him!âhas gained martyrdomâ (â® |
| 2.36 |
To Ê¿AqÄ«l in Medina, describing Ḥujrâs fight against á¸aḥḥÄk, who had raided Iraq, condemning the Quraysh and declaring Ê¿AlÄ«âs resolve to continue fighting in the path of truth âI dispatched a large army of Muslims to fight himâ (â® |
| 2.37 |
To MuÊ¿Äwiyah, before the Battle of á¹¢iffÄ«n, accusing him of using Ê¿UthmÄnâs killing for his own benefit, and of abandoning him earlier, when asked to aid him âGreat God! How fervently you cling to your outlandish passionsâ (â® |
| 2.38 |
To the people of Egypt, when appointing Ashtar as governor â⦠I have sent you one of Godâs own servants, who neither sleeps during the days of dangerâ (â® |
| 2.39 |
Warning to Ê¿Amr ibn al-Ê¿Äá¹£ before marching on á¹¢iffÄ«n âYou have subordinated your faith to the worldly gain promised to you by a man whose deceit is plainâ (â® |
| 2.40 |
To a governor, possibly Ê¿AbdallÄh ibn al-Ê¿AbbÄs, who had misappropriated funds âI am informed that you have done something, which, if you have done it, means you have angered your Lordâ (â® |
| 2.41 |
Sent shortly before Ê¿AlÄ«âs death, possibly to Ê¿AbdallÄh ibn al-Ê¿AbbÄs in Mecca, rebuking him for misappropriation of funds âI had shared my charge with youâ (â® |
| 2.42 |
To Ê¿Umar ibn AbÄ« Salamah, governor of Bahrain, recalling him to participate in the march on Syria, and replacing him with al-NuÊ¿mÄn ibn Ê¿AjlÄn âI have appointed al-NuÊ¿mÄn ibn Ê¿AjlÄn over Bahrainâ (â® |
| 2.43 |
To Maá¹£qalah, governor of ArdashÄ«r, rebuking him for misappropriation of treasury funds âI am informed that you have done something, which, if you have done it, means that you have angered your Lordâ (â® |
| 2.44 |
To ZiyÄd, warning against MuÊ¿Äwiyahâs blandishments âI have learned that MuÊ¿Äwiyah wrote to you in an attempt to befuddle your mind and dull your bladeâ (â® |
| 2.45 |
To Ibn Ḥunayf, governor of Basra, rebuking him for favoring the wealthy, Fadak, which was taken from his family, his own renunciant ways and compassionate governance, censure of the world, pious counsel âIbn Ḥunayf, I am informed that one of Basraâs grandees invited you to a feast and you rushed to goâ (â® |
| 2.46 |
To Ashtar, governor of NaṣībÄ«n, recalling him after the arbitration, sending him to Egypt âYou are one of those whose support I rely on to establish our religionâ (â® |
| 2.47 |
Testament of counsel for Ḥasan and Ḥusayn after the death blow, and for Ê¿AlÄ«âs family, urging restraint in blood retaliation âI counsel you both to remain conscious of God. Do not seek this world even if it seeks youâ (â® |
| 2.48 |
To MuÊ¿Äwiyah at á¹¢iffÄ«n, reluctantly accepting arbitration, warning him against treachery, and underscoring Ê¿AlÄ«âs submission to the ruling of the Qurʾan âTreachery and lies kill a manâs faith and ruin his worldly affairsâ (â® |
| 2.49 |
Warning to Ê¿Amr ibn al-Ê¿Äá¹£, sent from Nukhaylah, just before the march on Syria âThis world distracts you from the nextâ (â® |
| 2.50 |
To his commanders, declaring his principled policies and offering pious counsel âIt befits those in authorityâ (â® |
| 2.51 |
To tax collectors, instructing justice and compassion, and warning against unfair seizure of property from subjects, whether Muslim, Christian, or Jew âWhoever fails to care about his end, fails to safeguard himself by advancing provisions for his soulâ (â® |
| 2.52 |
To governors on timings of the ritual prayers âPray the noon prayer when the sun casts a shadow equal to a squatting goatâ (â® |
| 2.53 |
The Testament of Ashtar (Ê¿Ahd al-Ashtar) on his appointment as governor of Egypt, lengthy instructions on fair, kind, and astute governance, pious counsel âThis is what Godâs servant, Ê¿AlÄ«, Commander of the Faithful, commands MÄlik ibn al-ḤÄrith al-Ashtar, in the epistle he writes appointing him governor of Egyptâ (â® |
| 2.54 |
To Ṭalḥah and Zubayr, preceding the Battle of the Camel, urging them to return to the fold âAlthough you deny this now, you know that I did not approach the peopleâ (â® |
| 2.55 |
To MuÊ¿Äwiyah in the lead-up to the Battle of á¹¢iffÄ«n, urging him to return to the path of truth âGod created this world for the hereafterâ (â® |
| 2.56 |
To Shurayḥ, when appointing him commander of the vanguard to Syria, pious counsel âBe conscious of God every morning and every nightâ (â® |
| 2.57 |
Sent from DhÅ« QÄr to the people of Kufa, urging them to join Ê¿AlÄ« in fighting the associates of the Camel at Basra âI have marched from my hometown as either oppressor or oppressedâ (â® |
| 2.58 |
To the garrison towns, describing the Battle of á¹¢iffÄ«n âEvents began thus: We and the Syrians faced offâ (â® |
| 2.59 |
To Aswad ibn Quá¹bah, commander of ḤulwÄn, pious counsel âA rulerâs passions, if they lean in one directionâ (â® |
| 2.60 |
To administrators through whose lands Ê¿AlÄ«âs army was marching âI have dispatched troops who, God willing, will pass through your landsâ (â® |
| 2.61 |
To Kumayl, governor of HÄ«t, rebuking him for failing to defend against SufyÄn ibn Ê¿Awfâs attack âA manâs neglect of what he has been charged withâ (â® |
| 2.62 |
To the people of Egypt, sent with the newly appointed governor Ashtar, on events after the Prophetâs death, Ê¿AlÄ«âs righteousness, the Umayyads, urging the Egyptians to fight for the truth âGod sent Muḥammad as warner for the worldâ (â® |
| 2.63 |
To AbÅ« MÅ«sÄ, governor of Kufa, when he urged the people not to support Ê¿AlÄ« in the Battle of the Camel, rebuking and dismissing him from his post âI am told that you have spoken words that go both for you and against youâ (â® |
| 2.64 |
To MuÊ¿Äwiyah, presumably in the lead-up to the Battle of á¹¢iffÄ«n, who had written accusations and demands âYes, my clan and yours were on terms of affection and unity, as you sayâ (â® |
| 2.65 |
After the Battle of NahrawÄn, to MuÊ¿Äwiyah, who had demanded that Ê¿AlÄ« appoint him successor âThis is the time for you to understand fully the affairs swiftly unfolding before your eyesâ (â® |
| 2.66 |
To Ê¿AbdallÄh ibn al-Ê¿AbbÄs, likely sent from Kufa to Mecca, shortly before Ê¿AlÄ«âs death âA man is overjoyed by gaining a thing he was not going to loseâ (â® |
| 2.67 |
To Qutham, governor of Mecca, on leading the hajj, teaching the pilgrims, and disbursing charity âLead the hajj among the people and remind them to revere these, Godâs special daysâ (â® |
| 2.68 |
To SalmÄn, before Ê¿AlÄ«âs caliphate, pious counsel âThis world is like a snakeâ (â® |
| 2.69 |
To ḤÄrith, pious counsel âHold fast to the Qurʾan and embrace its counselâ (â® |
| 2.70 |
To Sahl, governor of Medina, telling him not to grieve over defectors âI have learned that men from your town are stealing out to join MuÊ¿Äwiyahâ (â® |
| 2.71 |
To Mundhir, governor of Iá¹£á¹akhr, chastising him for misappropriation of treasury funds âI was deceived about you by your fatherâs pietyâ (â® |
| 2.72 |
To Ê¿AbdallÄh ibn al-Ê¿AbbÄs in Mecca, containing pious counsel âYou will not exceed your lifespan or be granted sustenance that is not yoursâ (â® |
| 2.73 |
To MuÊ¿Äwiyah, possibly after the arbitration, rejecting his demands to make him successor âI attribute to weak judgment ⦠the fact that I exchanged letters with youâ (â® |
| 2.74 |
Treaty between the tribes of Yemen and RabÄ«Ê¿ah âThis is what the people of Yemen ⦠have agreed uponâ (â® |
| 2.75 |
From Medina early in Ê¿AlÄ«âs caliphate to MuÊ¿Äwiyah, explaining recent events and instructing him to take the pledge of the caliphate for Ê¿AlÄ« in Syria â⦠You know that I was justified both in my efforts for your clan and in turning away from themâ (â® |
| 2.76 |
To Ê¿AbdallÄh ibn al-Ê¿AbbÄs, while appointing him governor of Basra after the Battle of the Camel âBe generous with your attentionâ (â® |
| 2.77 |
To Ê¿AbdallÄh ibn al-Ê¿AbbÄs, sent to debate the Kharijites âDonât argue with them on the basis of the Qurʾanâ (â® |
| 2.78 |
To AbÅ« MÅ«sÄ in the lead-up to the arbitration âThe state of the people is such that many have bartered away most of their allotted shareâ (â® |
Additional Letterp. 676
Section 3: Sayings: Chapter containing selections from the Commander of the Faithfulâs wise sayings and words of counsel, including selections from his answers to questions and short texts from all genres of his literary production [Includes aphorisms and short texts not listed here, and the following longer pieces]:
| 3.1 |
First aphorism in Sayings chapter âIn times of sedition, be like a young camel buckâ (â® |
| 3.26 |
Four pillars of faith, four pillars of unbelief, four branches of doubt âFaith stands on four pillars: forbearance, conviction, justice, and struggle against evilâ (â® |
| 3.33 |
Warning to Ḥasan about whom not to befriend âMy dear son, remember four things from meâ (â® |
| 3.69 |
Addressing this world, á¸irÄrâs report âWorld, O world, get away from me!â (â® |
| 3.70 |
Destiny and the march on Syria âWoe! Perhaps you think destiny is finalâ (â® |
| 3.73 |
Five traits of character âI counsel you to five traits so precious it is only right that you should whip your camels to reach themâ (â® |
| 3.95 |
To Nawf al-BikÄlÄ«, pious counsel, David and Jesus as exemplars âNawf, blessed are those who reject worldlinessâ (â® |
| 3.99 |
Vagaries of the heart âThere is a piece of flesh attached to the jugular veinâ (â® |
| 3.110 |
Clans of Quraysh, HÄshim âMakhzÅ«m are the sweet blossoms of Qurayshâ (â® |
| 3.112 |
When a man laughed while following a funeral procession âWe behave as though death were decreed for everyone other than ourselvesâ (â® |
| 3.119 |
Address to residents of graves âO people of desolate abodesâ (â® |
| 3.120 |
To a man who criticized this world âYou who reproach this worldâdo you choose to be deceived by her yet censure her?â (â® |
| 3.124 |
The Qurʾanâs promise âWhoever is granted four gifts will not be refused four othersâ (â® |
| 3.133 |
To Kumayl on the virtues of knowledge, vaunt of his own knowledge, and the continuity of Godâs proof through one who upholds it in all ages âKumayl, these hearts are like vessels, and the best are those that best receive and storeâ (â® |
| 3.136 |
Pious counsel in Kufa after the Battle of NahrawÄn âDo not be one of those who expect the hereafter without workâ (â® |
| 3.237 |
Reasons for the ShariÊ¿ah laws âGod has mandated belief to purify you from polytheismâ (â® |
3.245â253 Section on Rare Words: A selection from Ê¿AlÄ«âs sayings that need lexical explanations
| 3.245 |
First aphorism in Rare Words Section âWhen that happens, religionâs queen bee will rest its abdomen on the groundâ (â® |
| 3.263 |
The KaÊ¿bahâs ornaments âAt the time when the Qurʾan was revealed to the Prophet, there were four kinds of propertyâ (â® |
| 3.275 |
The Prophet âIn a time now past, I had a brother whom I loved in Godâs nameâ (â® |
| 3.277 |
Condolence to AshÊ¿ath on the death of his son âAshÊ¿ath, it is fitting that you mourn your sonâ (â® |
| 3.319 |
A believer âA believer shows his joy in his face and hides his sorrow in his heartâ (â® |
| 3.327 |
Pious counsel âWords are remembered, intentions are tested, and «every soul is mortgaged to what it has earned.»â (â® |
| 3.350 |
Pious counsel âPeople! The stuff of this world is like rotten grassâ (â® |
| 3.353 |
Counsel to JÄbir âThe world is sustained by four types of peopleâ (â® |
| 3.358 |
On sustenance being decreed and the need for contentment âSustenance is of two typesâ (â® |
| 3.367 |
How to apportion time âThe believer divides his time into three partsâ (â® |
| 3.387 |
Spending wealth for good âMy dear son, do not leave your wealth for others to inheritâ (â® |
| 3.388 |
How to seek Godâs forgiveness âMay your mother be bereaved! Do you know what it means to beg Godâs forgiveness?â (â® |
| 3.403 |
Godâs special devotees âGodâs special devotees are those who perceive the worldâs realityâ (â® |
| 3.429 |
Last aphorism in Sayings chapter âMany are seduced by praiseâ (â® |
Additional Sayingsp. 818
Raá¸Ä«âs Conclusionp. 824
The majority of Nahj al-BalÄghah texts do not have titles. The descriptors here are thus my own, drawing on the content of the text, on Raá¸Ä«âs remarks if there are any, and context from the history books. For each piece, I have also added the first line of both the translation and the Arabic.