The famous text, Nahjul Balagha of Imam Ali (a) is one of the most important literary sources in early Islamic history.  A collection of the most eloquent sermons, letters and narrations of Imam Ali, it was collected as an encyclopedic resource by fourth\tenth century scholar Sharf al-Radhi (r). 

The subject matters of the Nahjul Balagha vary across different sciences--ethics, theology, metaphysics, philosophy, Qur’anic exegesis etc., but is often seen as a text that is difficult to read and grasp. The purpose of this course is to reflect on various themes within the text, understand the reasons for its compilation, recognize the debates surrounding its authenticity, and most importantly, spend some time to take select readings.