1
The Faculty of Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch.
2
The Faculty of Theology at the University of Tehran
Abstract
The issue of the authenticity of Nahj al-Balagha is a challenging topic between Shia and Sunni, and among Sunni scholars, various views have emerged in agreement or disagreement with it. This research, using a descriptive-analytical method and a critical approach, analyzes the axes of opposition to Nahj al-Balagha in Sunni thought and the contexts and foundations of their formation. The oppositions can be categorized into three main axes: 1. Doubts about the identity of the compiler and the correctness of attributing the work to Sayyid Radhi; 2. Doubts about the attribution of sermons and letters to Imam Ali(peace be upon him); and 3. Criticism and denial of the content validity of Nahj al-Balagha. On a foundational level, opponents have relied on principles such as the absolute justice of the companions, the precedence of the three caliphs, the exclusive authority of the Six Authentic Books (Sahih Sitta), the denial of the Imam's knowledge of the unseen, and the later compilation of Nahj al-Balagha. In terms of context, factors such as government support for the caliphs, sectarian prejudices, theological motivations, literary criticisms, hadith skepticism, and ignorance of Sayyid Radhi's personality and the method of compiling the work have paved the way for these oppositions. Shia scholars, by citing internal and external textual evidence, the consistency of Nahj al-Balagha's themes with the Quran, authentic hadiths, and historical data, have rationally explained the authenticity of this work. Research findings indicate that a significant portion of opponents' doubts stems from a lack of historical analysis and ignorance of the scientific method of compiling Nahj al-Balagha.
ghodsian,M. and Faghihzadeh,A. (2025). Analyzing the Axes of Opposition to Nahj al-Balagha in Sunni Thought: Its Contexts and Foundations. Nahjolbalagheh Research, 24(3), 283-308.
MLA
ghodsian,M. , and Faghihzadeh,A. . "Analyzing the Axes of Opposition to Nahj al-Balagha in Sunni Thought: Its Contexts and Foundations", Nahjolbalagheh Research, 24, 3, 2025, 283-308.
HARVARD
ghodsian M., Faghihzadeh A. (2025). 'Analyzing the Axes of Opposition to Nahj al-Balagha in Sunni Thought: Its Contexts and Foundations', Nahjolbalagheh Research, 24(3), pp. 283-308.
CHICAGO
M. ghodsian and A. Faghihzadeh, "Analyzing the Axes of Opposition to Nahj al-Balagha in Sunni Thought: Its Contexts and Foundations," Nahjolbalagheh Research, 24 3 (2025): 283-308,
VANCOUVER
ghodsian M., Faghihzadeh A. Analyzing the Axes of Opposition to Nahj al-Balagha in Sunni Thought: Its Contexts and Foundations. Nahjolbalagheh Research, 2025; 24(3): 283-308.
