Analytical Comparison of the Views Of Two Expositors of Nahj al-Balagha (Ibn Abil-Hadid and Ibn Meytham) on Sheqsheqiya Sermon

Ibn Abil-Hadid and Ibn Meytham have written two of the best-known expositions of Nahj al-Balagha in the seventh century. They are two writers who – regardless of their different religious leanings – were religiously tolerant persons. Here, we investigate and analyze the views of those two expositors regarding one of the most important and the most sensitive sermons of Nahj al-Balagha using descriptive-analytical method. According to the findings of this study, both writers were seeking to create sympathy and attachment between various Islamic denominations, avoiding divisive things. The practical manifestation of this purified thought and sense in the two expositions was different; that is, Ibn Meytham Bahrani avoids reporting many traditions and historical reports which they regard divisive to achieve that goal, and uses a peaceful language. Ibn Abil-Hadid, however, has brought more historical reports in his expositions, and has – of course – observed the religious feelings of both the Shiites and the Sunnites in his investigation and analysis of the historical reports. He has previously mentioned what has led to reprehending the caliphs by Imam Ali, but seeks to justify the caliphs’ actions.