Customer Reviews

Peak of Eloquence Nahjul Balagha: Sermons, Letters and Sayings of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib

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

 

 

mohammed PBH called himself the city of knowledge, and ali AS its GATES. "whosoever wishes to enter the city, should enter through its gates".
this book is a window to the mind that was the "gate" of the city of knowledge. a must read not only for muslims, but those who search the meaning of life and wisdom.

Whether you are a Sunni or a Shia, or whether you believe every word here to have been spoken by Hadrat Ali or not, it is undeniable that this collection of speeches and letters is saturated with widsom- which, according to a proverb found in this book, is the same no matter its source. The major themes running throughout these sermons are the deadly mirages and shortness of the present life compared to the infinite worth of the hereafter, the major need to work for it, and discourses about God, particularly His astonishing power as manifested through astonishing creations such as the peacock, locusts, bats... Other notable material included two touching prayers for rain, and a portrayal of the luminous qualities of a sober, self-fulfilled believer. The style throughout is highly eloquent and often philosophic, yet also extremely clear. There was also included a instructions to a governor for an ideal government which in their fairness, tolerance, and mercy could well be a guide for any Muslim nation today. I would recommend this book, particularly to non-Muslims who find it hard to believe that a volume of this size could be entirely about Islam, and yet with barely any reference to rules or regulations.

This book is one of the greatest literary masterpieces ever. From the details of the creation of the Universe to the day to day advice given by Imam Ali(A.S.), this book is a must read.

No wonder why he is called "Lord of the Sufis". Hazrat Ali, Amir al-moemenin,(Commander and Lord of those who have faith) peace be upon him, can not be described in words. It is said that the light of God in his heart was so expansive, that he once looked to the Sun and said, "For forty years you have not surpassed me." He is the first example of a true student, who demonstrated the truth of following in the footsteps of the Prophets (meaning all of the Prophets without the exclusion of the last and the wisest,) upon them be peace. And along side with him walked another true student, Salman-e Farsi who had spent his life first as a devout Zoroastrian, who then became a christian and spent all his time studying scriptures and the words of Jesus, peace be upon him, untill he began to look for the one of whose coming Jesus spoke of, prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him. One wonders, why are true examples so rarely understood, and so often misunderstood? Are we really in search of the same truth that they endeavored to find? Read and find out; these are amongst the Topics addressed in this book.

The sheer wisdom and knowledge contained in this volume is both humbling and awe inspiring. As a collection of Imam Ali's speeches, sayings, writings, and letters, it provides a gateway into the mind of perhaps the wisest and most learned man ever to walk the earth, after the Holy Prophet himself.

After reading this volume, it becomes apparent why Imam Ali's "Peak of Eloquence" is hailed above the words of man, and second only to the revealed words of God Almighty, which are manifested in the Holy Qur'an.

Every time I open this book, my thirst for knowledge is quenched, and my longing for wisdom is settled. It is not only an overwhelming treasure to own and comprehend, but it is thought provoking as well as motivational. It will inspire the person to deeply ponder over the greatest and most profound truths of our existence, within the realm of human comprehension.

The Christian Author and Researcher, George Jordaq in his tribute to Imam Ali (AS), says: "The Imam's sermons are full of wise thoughts. O' world, what would have happen if you mobilized your forces to produce in every era a man as great as Imam Ali (AS) in terms of wisdom, moral, expression, eloquence, valour, simplicity, generosity, patience, piety, and magnitude, for the human societies?"

It is a tremendous source of knowledge, and the feeling one gets when one closes this volume is simply amazing, and yet, it is written in a manner such that any reader of any level can benefit from it, from the most educated scholar to the beginning academic.

It would be truly a waste to pass up an opportunity to buy this book. The treasures contained within are boundless. There is nothing like it.

A more complete and informative compilation of the life and teachings of Ali ibne Abu Talib, the 4th Caliphate, could not be made. This work is a credit and praise to both the author, and the compliler. It's wisdom is not to be solely imparted to the Shi'ite and his Sunni bretheren, Ali's words are a laurel of knowledge anointing the heads of all men. Truly, this is the peak of eloquence.

I must say first that I agree with a previous reviewer Krishna in that one major defect in this book is that it lacks an Arabic text to go along side the translation. I happen to have an Arabic edition of this book and it is a pain to look to compare from 2 different books it so it must be extreamly frustrating to not have access to the original text at all.

The second comment he makes however, I must disagree. The translator does draw a line below which he makes comment on the text that he has translated so it is fairly easy to distinguish the text from comentary. The pages do however, overlap at times which can cause some confusion when reading.

As he has also pointed out, there are numerous typos and some of the style of translation may be slightly heavy and at parts confusing to the Western reader I would imagine first because of the problems with translating Arabic to English and second English not being the translators 1st language.

This book has been translated from the Shia point of view so it is possible that Sunni Muslims may be offended by some of the comments of the text and comentary I would however point out to those who are offended that this is a historical and important text of Islamic history that many Sunni Muslims have written comentaries on (my copy has text by Muhammad Abduh)

I would recomened this book to the serious student of Islamic history, it would be an exellent study tool along side the 4 volume translation of ibn Kathir's life of the Prophet, Tabari's history book and the Tabaqat of ibn Sa'd (in spite of its questionable translation)

I look forward to the history book of ibn al-Athir being translated into English and ibn Khallikan's book being more easily available in the mean time, it would be well worth picking this book up and if possible, an Arabic copy as well.

Nahjul Balagha is not an ordinary book. Nahjul Balagha conatins the words said by Imam ALI during his ruling time only. This book is 2nd to Quran only. Imam ALI has talked about topics which no-one else in history has dared touching. Great book.

Its a great read. Thought provoking ideas from 1,400 years ago. Its hard to believe his man lived so long ago.

It is a moot matter to criticise Shi'a translators for their one-sidedness when, as far as one can see from the internet, no translation of Nahjul Balagha in any European language exists from Sunni scholars, although both Sunni and Shi'a recognise the legitimacy of Ali ibn Abi Talib, may G'd be pleased with him, and the excellence of his discourse.

If Sunni muslim scholars differ with the views expressed in the comments, may they publish a better translation with better commentary, striving with their Shi'a brethren in good work!

Concerning the underlying source, one would have to attribute an indefinite number of stars. The 3 star qualification results from the deficient qualities of the book as such. Except from the text quoted from Hadrat Ali, the typeface is simply too small or even much too small for anyone other than those with excellent vision. For those readers over 45 or so, not even reading glasses suffice, a magnifying glass is required to read the smallest type.

Nearly every page contains spelling and / or syntax errors in English. Scanning the text and running it through syntax and spell checking programmes is a must.

Some doubts may be entertained concerning the inner qualifications of the translators. For example, Hadrat Ali is translated as having said that G'd does not come from "non-existence". What Arabic word is "non-existence" supposed to translate? Ex-istence comes from Latin ex-stare, meaning outside or out of being. The opposite would be "in-istence". In this and similar cases, the translators would be well advised to put the transliterated Arabic word in brackets after the English, as one often sees in scholarly works. This lowers the risk of misunderstanding.

Lastly, the translators inadequately convey the eloquence of Hadrat Ali's Arabic into their translation, although this is admittedly difficult. To compensate, they might add an introductory chapter explaining and illustrating why Hadrat Ali's use of Arabic is considered, after the Noble Qur"an, to be the epitome of eloquence.