The Role of Pre-Sharif al-Radi Sources and al-Radi's Criteria for Literary Selection in the Compilation of Nahj al-Balagha

Document Type : Research Article

Author

PhD in Arabic Language and Literature, Shahid Madani University of Azerbaijan, Tabriz, Iran

10.22084/nahj.2025.31009.3191

Abstract

This research examines the sources and documents predating Sharif al-Radi in Nahj al-Balagha through a comparative analysis of ancient texts to further clarify the authenticity of this work. Despite challenges such as the loss of certain documents, the dispersion of primary sources, and variations in wording, the present study—focusing on reliable sources including al-Jāḥiẓ's "Al-Bayān wa al-Tabyīn," Ṭabarī's "Tārīkh," and Naṣr b. Muzāḥim's "Waqʿat Ṣiffīn," selected based on rigorous criteria of antiquity, author credibility, and transmission methodology—demonstrates that substantial portions of Nahj al-Balagha's content were recorded in these sources prior to its compilation.The findings of this comparative study indicate that the themes of Nahj al-Balagha align with earlier sources, confirming its historical authenticity. Furthermore, differences in wording primarily stem from Sharif al-Radi’s literary selection criteria and the natural diversity of narratives within the historical tradition of transmission. The examination reveals that these pre-existing sources, including "Waqʿat Ṣiffīn" by Naṣr b. Muzāḥim, played a pivotal role in transmitting the statements of Imam Ali (AS).By refuting doubts regarding the attribution of Nahj al-Balagha, this research strengthens its documentary and historical credibility and underscores the necessity of considering pre–Sharif al-Radi sources in ḥadīth and historical studies. The applied comparative method also provides a model for future research in analyzing the sources of religious texts.

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Quarterly Journal of Nahj al-Balagha Research
Volume 12, Issue 47
November 2024
Pages 129-153

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