The positive aspects of this book are related to the luminous statements of God...

The positive aspects of this book are related to the luminous statements of God, the Prophet (S)[^3] and the infallible [^4] ( ‘a )[^5] and written with their blessings. Any weaknesses, however, are mine. The translations of Qur’anic verses and hadith s are relatively free translations and sometimes accompanied by explanations and addenda. It should not remain unsaid that the content of this volume has been shown earlier in the state television of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

It has been put into writing with some corrections and modifications. I beseech God, the Exalted, for sincerity of intention { ikhlas }, dedication to purpose { tawfiq } and eloquence in speech and writing. I hope that this trivial attempt at inclining people toward the great obligatory act of prayer is fruitful and plays a vital role in the dissemination of Islamic culture throughout the world—an obligation which is incumbent upon each of us.

It is also hoped that by clinging to its religious identity and rich Islamic culture, our great Islamic nation can serve as a formidable stronghold of truth and a strong refuge for the deprived ones of the world. Verily, He is the Bestower of Success { innahu wali at-tawfiq }. Muhsin Qara’ati Ramadhan 1410 AH Farvardin 1369 AHS (Circa March-April 1990) [^1]: Hadith (pl. ahadith): tradition or report, specifically the traditions of the Prophet (S) and the infallible Imams (‘a), i.e.

their sayings, actions and tacit approvals of others’ actions, or the narrations of these. {Trans.} [^2]: Nahj al-Balaghah (Peak of Eloquence) is a collection of speeches, sayings and letters of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (‘a) compiled by Sharif ar-Radi Muhammad ibn al-Husayn (d. 406 AH/1016). Contents of the book concern the three essential topics of God, man and the universe, and include comments on scientific, literary, social, ethical, and political issues.

Except the words of the Glorious Qur’an and of the Holy Prophet (S), no words of man can equate it in eloquence. So far, more than 101 exegeses have been written on the Nahj al-Balaghah, indicating the importance of this treatise to scholars and learned men of research and investigation. For more information, visit: http://www.al-islam.org/nahjul.

{Trans.} [^3]: The abbreviation, “S”, stands for the Arabic invocative phrase, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa alihi wa sallam {may God’s salutation and peace be upon him and his progeny}, which is used after the name of the Holy (S).