Peak of Eloquence: Nahjul Balagha

by Ali ibn Abi Talib, Sayed Ali Reza (Translator), Syed Mohamed Askari Jafery (Introduction)

Selections from Sermons, Letters and Sayings of Amir al-Mu'minin, 'Ali ibn Abi Talib

What can be said about this Imam? It is very difficult to fully explain his attributes and qualities. He was the most learned person, the most brave man and the most eloquent speaker and orator. His piety, his love of God, his sincerity and fortitude in following religion were of such high order that none could aspire to reach him....he hated diplomacy and loved truth and justice, his was the policy as dictated by God....learned men amongst Jews and Christians love him and such philosophers who come to know of his teachings bow down before his incomparable vast knowledge. Roman kings would have his pictures in their palaces and great warriors would engrave his name on their swords.

Genres: Religion, Islam, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Spirituality, History, Classics

680 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 800

About the author

Ali ibn Abi Talib (Arabic: علي بن أبي طالب, romanized: ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib) (c. 600 – 661 CE) was the fourth Rashidun caliph who ruled from 656 CE until his assassination in 661, as well as the first Shia Imam. He was the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Born to Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Fatima bint Asad, Ali was raised in the household of his cousin Muhammad and was among the first to accept his teachings.