Imam Ali Holy Shrine Launches Rare Nahj al-Balagha Manuscript Project

Imam Ali Holy Shrine Launches Rare Nahj al-Balagha Manuscript Project
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The Imam Ali Holy Shrine has launched a project to produce a rare manuscript-style copy of Nahj al-Balagha, describing it as the first initiative of its kind in the Islamic world.

Karrar Jaseb, head of the shrine’s Department of Intellectual and Cultural Affairs, said the project aims to create a valuable archival copy of the book attributed to the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, peace be upon him. He said the work will combine the authenticity of Islamic heritage with contemporary artistic standards.

Jaseb added that the shrine has previously served Nahj al-Balagha through research, verification projects and specialized indexes, but said the new manuscript represents an exceptional effort in terms of organization, accuracy and artistic care.

Calligrapher Hazem al-Hilou said the copy will be produced using traditional methods, including natural paper, inks, pens and decorative materials associated with classical manuscript schools. He said the project is expected to take about one year and will involve a select group of calligraphers from the holy shrine.

The manuscript will be written in three volumes, with each page containing 14 lines in reference to the Fourteen Infallibles, peace be upon them.

Nahj al-Balagha is one of the most important intellectual and literary works in Islamic heritage, containing sermons, letters and sayings of Imam Ali, peace be upon him.