Imam Ali ΄s Studies

An Analysis of Al-Raḍī's Choices and Deletions in Representing the Companions of Camel in Nahj al-Balāghah

Document Type : .

Authors

Yahya Mirhoseini 1
Mahboubeh Khazaei 2
Kamal Sahraei 1
AliMoḥammad Mirjalili 3

1 Associate Professor, Department of Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran

2 Ph.D. Student, Department of Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran

10.30465/alavi.2026.52364.2744
Abstract
Al-Raḍī compiled Nahj al-Balāghah in the 4th century AH, at the peak of Sunni-Shi'i tensions. The socio-political conditions of Baghād, particularly its Sunni-Shi'i demographic context, led al-Raḍī to engage in selection and Deletion when qouting the narrations of Imam ʿAli, especially concerning the Companions of the Camel. This research, employing a descriptive-analytical method with a comparative approach and textual analysis, compares al-Raḍī's Deletions in Nahj al-Balāghah with other narrations of Imam ʿAli found in alternative sources. It demonstrates that, in addition to literary motives and the enhancement of rhetorical aspects, he also considered political factors aimed at reducing sectarian conflicts and calming the atmosphere in Baghād. Examples of al-Raḍī's truncations regarding Ṭalḥa and al Zubayr include the omission of statements related to their errors and transgression (Fīsq), the necessity of their repentance and avoiding divine ingratitude, the explanation of Ṭalḥa and al Zubayr's excessive demands, and curses and condemnations, in contrast to their praise and commendation. This case study, which is also applicable and demonstrable for other sectarian points of contention, indicates that the selection of phrases in Nahj al-Balāghah did not solely pursue rhetorical and literary objectives, but simultaneously embedded socio-political intentions.

Keywords

Nahj al-Balagha
Sayyid al-Radi
hadith
interruption
selection
socio-political conditions
Companions of Jamal

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