Senior Cleric Calls for Greater Scholarly Attention to Nahj al-Balagha

TEHRAN -- A senior Shia religious authority has called for greater scholarly attention to Nahj al-Balagha, describing the revered text as a central source for understanding the message of Ghadir and the foundations of Islamic thought on leadership and guidance.

In a message delivered to the Dr. Ebrahimi-Namaz Congress, Ayatollah Abdullah Javadi Amoli emphasized the importance of explaining the concept of wilayah (guardianship) and the imamate of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib. He urged Islamic seminaries and academic gatherings to place special focus on Nahj al-Balagha as a primary reference for comprehending the spiritual, ethical, and doctrinal dimensions of Ghadir.

Ayatollah Javadi Amoli expressed appreciation for the organizers and participants of the congress, highlighting the shared responsibility of scholars, officials, and the wider public in advancing divine objectives. He also referred to the special spiritual role of the Awaited Imam, Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance), in guiding the community.
Referring to the event of Ghadir Khumm, Ayatollah Javadi Amoli described it as a decisive turning point in affirming the principles of leadership and succession in Islam. He noted that Imam Ali (AS) represents the most authoritative figure for demonstrating both the prophethood and the imamate of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him), citing Imam Ali’s own words as recorded in Nahj al-Balagha.
He explained that true recognition of imamate and guardianship is inseparable from faith in the truth of the Prophet’s mission. According to Ayatollah Javadi Amoli, the actions, words, approval, and disapproval of Imam Ali serve as practical criteria for believers, offering guidance on correct belief and conduct.
The senior cleric described Nahj al-Balagha as a vast and profound source for understanding the reality of the imamate, while noting that existing editions represent only a portion of its full scope. He stressed the need for systematic scholarly efforts, including indexing, compiling thematic concordances, providing detailed explanations, and summarizing key concepts to make its teachings more accessible and comprehensive.
Such academic initiatives, he said, should be actively pursued within seminaries, particularly in regions historically associated with devotion to Imam Ali, so that the authentic teachings of Nahj al-Balagha can be more fully understood by scholars and the broader Shiite community.
Ayatollah Javadi Amoli also underlined the importance of integrating the study of the Qur’an and Nahj al-Balagha within educational programs, emphasizing their harmony in conveying divine guidance. He noted that while humans and angels share the same divine religion, human conditions shape the practical expression of faith through worship, humility, and adherence to divinely appointed leadership.
He said that devotion to the guardianship of Imam Ali (AS) and respect for the Prophet’s tradition not only bring blessings in this life but are also recorded as lasting spiritual merit in the hereafter.