Customer Reviews

Living and Dying with Grace: Counsels of Hadrat Ali

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Though much of what the book has to offer, are sayings, it serves as an introduction to what Hadrat Ali's work, Nahj al Balaghah has to offer. It is an important contribution to the genre of Islamic literature, though it has been ignored by the muslims at large, Cleary's efforts are directed as an 'introduction' to a personality that is revered by those who seek the esoteric aspect of Islam: in essense 'Islamic Spirituality'. I would urge the readers to read the compilation of the sermons and letters of Hadrat 'Ali, titled Nahj al Balaghah, available in English, titled Peak of Eloquence, published by Tehrike Tersile Quran, Elmhurst, New York. -- Ali Abbas

I was pretty closed to Islam. But after reading this it really makes sense.

hadrat ali meaning prescence of ali, is a great book to read through periodically. even one page a day will humble you. short sayings of ali, taken from a larger work, this is a wonderful small volume. ali who was first to accept islam and convert is considered by many to be the true successor of muhammad, who brought islam to light once the revelation of god was handed down to him. whether you follow islams beleif or not, the saying contained in this book are sure to enhance your life and make you think.

I wish more people would translate his works. Thank you.

The sayings are so deep and insightful that if you reflect enough, it brings tears to your eyes. It has everything an intelligent person needs to live a right and successful life. The book is a good intro into real islamic thoughts as opposed to what one hears in the media today. The sayings are so concise and pointed that it drives home the point like a bolt of lightening. A must have for anybody who wants to live a good life.

Hazrat Ali (RA) excellent and eloquent speeches are recorded in this book.
Each words is a pearl of wisdom. Worth reading again and again !!

This is an outstanding compilation of Hazarat Ali' wisdome!!

I suppose this is the Glorious Part of Islam!

One should study the teachings of Ali not because he was the 'first Imam' or the 'fourth of the rightly-guided caliphs', but because of their intrinsic worth, their intellectual profundity and spiritual fecundity. This is not to deny Ali's importance as a leader; rather, it is to appreciate that it was because of of his wisdom that he was a great leader, or one of the 'true' leaders, as he refers to himself, as opposed to the assertion that he must have been wise because he was a leader. He was a spiritual guide irrespective of his political role, and in a deeper sense, remains a guide now, speaking with compelling power across the centuries in a timeless dialect to all those 'who have ears to hear'.

One of the Wisdom From the Book:

"Generosity is the protector of the good reputations,while knowledge is the silencer of the fools.
Pardon is the tax on victory, while consolation is your compensation from betrayers.
Consultation is a source of guidance, and one who thinks his own view enough runs a risk.
Patience makes calamity fade, while anxiety is one of the helpers of the fate."

One good book which can be recommended to learn more about this philosopher is Justice and Remembrance: Introducing the Spirituality of Imam Ali.

Nahjul Balagha - full collection of Imam Ali's speeches, sayings, writings, and letters is also available on Amazon >> Nahjul Balagha.

It is a book about morals. It has sayings in it which will make you think twice. It is a handybook. It will assist you towards finding your 'self'. Although better and more knowledgable books are out there, yet the sayings in this book make you aware. The thoughts in this book are inspired. A must have...