Attention to Nahj al-Balāgha in the Works of Some Leaders of the Awakening Movements in the Contemporary Islamic World

After revelation of the Holy Quran in a language similar to that of the Arabs, tens of thousands of traditions transmitted from the Prophet and his Household were written in the same language (see Husseini 1417 AH., p. 142; Hakimi, 1381, p. 37). Texts such as Nahj al-Balāgha and Sahīfa Sajjādiyya as well as the most beautiful themes and the deepest human prayers addressed towards God Almighty have been uttered in that language; and this was the greatest service to Arabic language.In the last two centuries, a movement was formed in the vast Islamic lands, referred to as the ‘Islamic Awakening Movement’. An invitation to this movement was called out by the Muslim scholars and mentors in various countries. This invitation enjoyed important intellectual and cultural dimensions which, in turn, were the keys to its progress and permanence. A fundamental thought and a strong stimulant for the widespread Islamic movement was the idea of returning to the Quran; and another one – less discussed – was the idea of returning to Nahj al-Balāgha and Imam Ali’s thoughts. The Awakening Movement was linked with the international Islam, not being confined in racial and tribal limits; just as Nahj al-Balāgha itself is an international document, not being restricted to Shiites. In turning to Nahj al-Balāgha, however, there has been much negligence; therefore, this important source must be actively attended to.