The fourth sermon of Nahj al-Balagha

 

 

Sermon4

The summary of fourth sermon would be distributed as so:

 

Describing God

. the grandeur and power of God

. the characteristics of God (including: compassionate, knowledge and wisdom)

 

Inviting to piety and chastity

. the importance of (having) piety in individual and social life

. the effects and results of piety

 

Remembering the blessings of God

. the material and spiritual blessings

.  (having) gratitude and appreciation toward God

 

 

 

Warning about seditions and examinations

. social seditions and problems

. the necessity of alertness and awareness

 

Convoking to unanimity and integrity

. the importance of Muslim’s union

. call for cooperation in the right way

 

This sermon was performed by Imam Ali (AS) for publicity of Muslims (i.e. the people of Kufa at the time of him being a caliphate) and Imam (AS) in this sermon, deals with enlightening the characteristics of God, call for (having) piety, remembering the blessings of God, warning about seditions and examinations and inviting to unity and integrity. The purpose of this sermon, is increasing the religious and social awareness among Muslims and encouraging them to (have) integrity against challenges of the age.

 

The reason of performing this sermon refers some fundamental factors; including:

1.enlightening the characteristics of God: Imam Ali (AS) wanted to acquaint people with the grandeur and the characteristics of God, in order to reinforce their faith and trust in God.

 

2.inviting to (have) piety: in critical situation of that age, Imam (AS) insisted on significance of (having) piety and chastity to people can endure the seditions and social problems.

 

3.remembebering the blessings of God: by mentioning the blessings of God, Imam (AS) wanted to invite people to have gratitude and appreciation toward God in order to increase their awareness about the blessings.

 

4.warning about the seditions: regarding the strenuous condition of that age, Imam (AS) warned people to be alert about the seditions and challenges and take care of their faith and unity.

 

5.convoking to unity: Imam Ali (AS) insisted on necessity of integrity of Muslims in order to they have unity and empathy against challenges and disagreements.

 

Some of most visited sentences of this sermon are as so:

 

 

Describing God:

. the great God, is unique and unparalleled.

Inviting to piety and chastity:

. O people! Do have piety; which in it, there is your rescue.

Remembering the blessings of God:

. the gratitude of the blessings, is of the most superior worship.

Warning about seditions and examinations:

. Avoid the factions; which are dark like the night.

Convoking to unanimity and integrity:

. O Muslims! Be along each other and avid faction.