The website of Isra foundation reports: A group of members of the House of the Nahj al-Balāghah in Isfahan met with Grand Ayatollah Javadi Amoli on Thursday at his eminence’s residence. 

The website of Isra foundation reports: A group of members of the House of the Nahj al-Balāghah in Isfahan met with Grand Ayatollah Javadi Amoli on Thursday at his eminence’s residence. In this meeting, Grand Ayatollah Javadi Amoli referred to the distinguished position of the city of Isfahan in the history of science and spirituality, emphasizing the need to revive the teachings of Imam Ali (ʿa) and attain a profound understanding of the Nahj al-Balāghah.

His eminence noted: All, especially the great scholars of Isfahan, must strengthen their bond with the House of the Prophet (ṣ), particularly with Amir al-Muʾminīn (ʿa). because of being Shias, all of us consider the Infallibles to be our our teachers, for ‘God teaches the Book and the Wisdom’ through them. Certain cities, among them Isfahan, have two ways of connecting with the House of the Prophet (ṣ): one is the path of “acquired knowledge”, found in the seminaries and universities. Acquired knowledge is the knowledge that is attained through studying, scientific discussions, reading books, and research, the kind of knowledge that flows through all academic institutions. The other path is that of “inherited knowledge”, knowledge that is attained through spiritual bond with the House of the Prophet (ṣ). It is this reality to which the famous narrative ‘scholars are the heirs of the prophets’ refers. This inherited knowledge is not merely knowledge; it is a bond.

Referring to the immense scientific heritage recorded in the Nahj al-Balāghah, his eminence further stated: the Nahj al-Balāghah is a book such that each reading of it reveals something new. It has been narrated that, Ibn Abī al-Ḥadīd, the commentator of the Nahj al-Balāghah, read it a thousand times, and stated that each time he read it he found out something new in it. Such depth is what characterizes acquired knowledge; however, tasting the true depth of these teachings requires ‘inherited knowledge’ as well.

Citing examples from the intellectual and spiritual legacy of figures such as the late Jahāngīr Khān Qashqāʾī and Ḥājj Āqā Raḥīm Arbāb, grand Ayatollah Javadi Amoli described these individuals as clear examples of “spiritual children of Imam Ali (ʿa).” His eminence then added: Nahj al-Balāghah can be understood on two levels: first at the level of studying and reading, and second, at the level of spiritual bond, that is to say, the station of being a spiritual child of Imam Ali (ʿa), and this second path is open to all to tread.

Honoring the memory of all those who played significant roles in promoting the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa), his eminence further asserted: The work, Tamām Nahj al-Balāghah, is a precious compilation. Its editors traveled the East and West of the world, compiling the aphorisms, sermons, and letters of Amir al-Muʾminīn (ʿa). It is incumbent upon all of us to have this complete collection.

Elaborating on one of the most profound teachings of the Nahj al-Balāghah, Grand Ayatollah Javadi Amoli stated: From the viewpoint of Amir al-Muʾminīn (ʿa), the value of world and the worldly things, namely gold, silver, worldly positions, and titles, is no more than “the putrid residue caught between the teeth”! With regard to worldly gains, the Imam (̒a) has been quoted as saying: “Is there not a free-spirited person who will abandon this putrid residue [that is, worldly things]?!”. A human being is repulsed even by what remains between his own teeth, let alone that which remains in another person’s mouth! Thus, what the Imam (̒a) meant by this remark is that whatever titles you may seek, ‘Ayatollah,’ ‘Grand Ayatollah,’ and the like, are all the same as the putrid residue between the teeth! True worth lies not in titles or appearances, but in inner freedom and detachment from the world.

In conclusion, expressing appreciation for the scholarly and cultural efforts of the members of the House of the Nahj al-Balāghah in Isfahan, his eminence emphasized the need to expand research endeavors as well as educational, dissemination, and propagation efforts concerning the teachings of Imam Ali (ʿa). He stated: We express gratitude to the esteemed figures who have authored these books, letters, and scholarly articles. We ask God to accept and reward the efforts of all the past and present scholars who have contributed to establishing, teaching, and authoring works related to the Nahj al-Balāghah, and who have authored valuable works in this field. We hope that this way, we may safeguard this valuable trust and present it whole to its rightful owner, Imam Mahdi (ʿa). May our lives grow better, more elevated, and more radiant each day through these teachings.