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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Lessons from the Nahjul Balaghah Lesson one: Prophethood (nubuwwah) Prophethood is among the subjects which have been dealt with in the Nahjul Balaghah and a discussion about which can help us understand one of the basic principles of Islam. In fact, it is not only a subject which can be followed throughout the Nahjul Balaghah but one of the most important and fundamental principles of Islamic ideology.

I have repeatedly mentioned in various discussions that in order to analyze and understand the numerous matters of Islamic thought and ideology, the principle of prophethood is an axis around which these matters can be discussed as well. As -to the principle of monotheism, we believe that its social and revolutionary dimensions can only be clarified when we discuss it within the vast spectrum of the matters concerning prophethood.

Accordingly, our method in this chapter is to point out and analyze the different dimensions of prophethood and to support our discussion with an explanation of ‘‘Ali’s ibn Abi Talib's sayings wherever necessary. In this manner, two aims will be fulfilled, i.e. some important sections of the Nahjul Balaghah will be translated and interpreted, and issues among the basic Islamic principles will be made apparent.

It is to be mentioned at the beginning that in the discussion about prophethood, revelation and its relevant matters will not be discussed. Rather, prophethood will be viewed as a historical reality and an unquestionable event. Undoubtedly, prophethood has existed as a phenomenon in the history of mankind. There is no difference of opinion in this regard between us and those who disbelieve in it. However, the difference lies in the interpretation of this event and the message it conveys.

In fact, no one denies such personalities as Moses, Jesus and other Prophets whether or not the history of their lives is more or less known or vague. History reports that all of them have existed. Therefore, prophethood will be considered as a historical event in our discussion and the following questions will be answered in the analysis, which follows: What was the social background (social, temporal and historical situation) when this event occurred? Where did this event originate?

Did it appear among the kings, the oppressed, the scholars and thinkers... which class of people? What position did it enjoy? Was it to the benefit of a special class of people?