Japanese Muslim convert shares lessons learned from Nahj al-Balagha

In a forum titled: “Nahj al-Balagha; Book of Life”, Japanese Muslim convert Fatemeh (Etsuko) Hoshino discussed significant “human-rights” lessons to be learnt from the letter of Amir al-Momineen (peace be upon him) to Malik al-Ashtar.

The former Buddhist explained that the letter underlines the need for respecting the rights of everyone, including one’s enemies.

Ali ibn Abi Talib treats all human beings as God’s servants or creatures, avoiding discrimination when it comes to the essence of humanity, she said.

Nahj-ul-Balaqa (peak of eloquence) is a collection of Imam Ali’s sermons, letters and sayings compiled by Shia Muslim scholar Sayyid Radhi.