Department of Nahj Al-Balagha and Islamic Education

Head of Department's Message

An Academic Vision Towards Excellence and Innovation

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

- In the Name of Allah(swt), the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate - Praise be to Allah (swt), Lord of all the Worlds, and may blessings be bestowed upon Mohammad and his pure progeny. - Nahj Al-Balagha is not merely a book of sermons or eloquence; rather, it is a luminous manifestation of Islamic thought in its highest forms, and a clear mirror reflecting the profound depth of the school of Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them) in understanding Divine Unity, humanity, and the universe. Additionally, it is a book that encompasses sermons revealing Imam Ali's (peace be upon him) station as the most complete extension of prophetic knowledge and its light, letters that unveil the precision of his vision in justice and governance, and aphorisms that demonstrate the purity of his soul, his asceticism, and the penetrating insight of his luminous perception. - This eternal masterpiece presents an integrated epistemological system founded upon pure monotheism that elevates humanity to the heights of divine proximity, justice by which the Imam weighs the movement of life and the living, and mercy that nurtures hearts toward consciousness of the self, society, and the Creator, Exalted and Glorified. - Within it, profound philosophical thought harmonises with miraculous eloquent expression, giving birth to a comprehensive school in ethics, politics, society, and spirituality one that does not confine itself to the boundaries of its time but transcends into every era, and surpasses spatial limits to embrace every human being seeking truth. - Nahj Al-Balagha stands as a living testament to the station of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), who united religious authority with intellectual leadership and spiritual guidance. It is worth noting that in this blessed book, he addresses the reader with logic that opens wide the doors of knowledge, with wisdom that revives conscience and illuminates consciousness, and with eloquence that leaves the most articulate speechless. Thus it has become an immortal legacy connecting heaven and earth, linking the servant to the Creator, and making the life of Amir Al-Mu’minin (peace be upon him) an inspiring model that illuminates the paths of researchers, thinkers, mystics, and spiritual seekers alike. - It also serves as a speaking historical document testifying to the violation of Allah's (swt) right, the nation's right, and indeed the right of Amir Al-Mu’minin (peace be upon him). Besides, the fair reader witnesses that the possessor of this complete divine thought in both religious and worldly affairs was removed from his natural position explicitly designated by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family). Consequently, people fell into confusion wherein even those of insight became perplexed, let alone those of weak perception, until Lady Fatima Al-Zahra’ (peace be upon her) proclaimed the truth, addressing the women of the Ansar with her immortal words: "Woe unto them! How they have moved the Caliphate away from the firm foundations of the Message, the pillars of Prophethood, the landing place of the Trustworthy Spirit (Gabriel), and the one knowledgeable in the affairs of this world and religion. Indeed, that is the manifest loss." - From this noble perspective, we in the Department of Nahj Al-Balagha and Islamic Education at ZUW have undertaken, with all humility and honour, to work earnestly, sincerely, and passionately to revive the heritage of Amir Al-Mu’minin (peace be upon him). This is achieved through an in-depth study of his luminous thought, as recorded by Al-Sharif Al-Radhi in this eternal masterpiece, uncovering its doctrinal, intellectual, ethical, and humanitarian dimensions, and employing them to build the conscious, faithful human being capable of bearing the message of authentic Islam. We ask Allah Almighty to grant us success and to guide our hands and the hands of all sincere workers on this blessed path, toward what contains goodness and righteousness, service to knowledge and religion, elevation of the word of truth, and spreading the teachings of Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them), who are the Ark of Salvation and the Lamps of Guidance.

May Allah grant you all success, and we ask Allah to make our department a beacon of knowledge and virtue.

Department Vision, Mission, and Goals

Comprehensive Information About the Department

The Department of Nahj Al-Balagha and Islamic Education at ZUW stands as a pioneering and unique academic institution, being regarded as the first of its kind academic department to be established under this name and specialisation in Iraq and the wider Islamic world, with no equivalent or counterpart in other universities at the time of its foundation. 1. Establishment and Launch: The department was officially inaugurated in the academic year 2024/2025. In its early stages, it was affiliated with the Arabic Language Department, then became independent as a standalone department carrying a distinctive scientific and spiritual mission. It bears noting that we have endeavoured with dedication and sincerity to establish an academic partnership with the University of Kufa, an institution of prestigious academic standing, to enhance scientific cooperation and exchange academic and research expertise. 2. Support and Patronage: The Department is under the generous patronage and direct supervision of His Eminence Sheikh Abd Al-Mahdi Al-Karbalai, the representative of the Supreme Religious Authority. This support has imbued the department with profound spiritual and missional dimensions, making it a beacon for spreading the teachings of Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them). The Department is fully tuition-free, offering high-quality educational opportunities to female students without any financial burden, in line with its commitment to the dissemination of knowledge and the facilitation of equitable access to education. 3. Academic Curricula and Programmes: The Department stands out by adopting the most current, structured curricula approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. In addition, these curricula have been carefully developed through extensive consultative meetings involving a select group of senior academics holding advanced scholarly titles from various Iraqi universities, in close collaboration with the Blessed Nahj Al-Balagha Foundation. This rigorous process guarantees both the quality of the academic content and the depth of its intellectual foundations. The Department encompasses a diverse range of theoretical and applied disciplines, integrating the study and exposition of Nahj Al-Balagha, Islamic education, Islamic thought, theology (ʿilm Al-kalām), applied rhetoric, Qur’anic sciences, ethics, and Islamic philosophy. Moreover, particular emphasis is placed on the practical application of the principles of Nahj Al-Balagha within contemporary life. 4. Students and Enrolment: Since its inception, the Department has attracted a substantial number of female students eager to engage deeply with the sciences of Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and to study the thought of Amir Al-Mu’minin (peace be upon him) in a rigorous academic manner. This strong enrolment reflects the pressing demand for this specialised field of study. 5. Postgraduate Studies and Development: The Department is committed to implementing postgraduate programmes (Master’s and Doctoral) in the near future, aimed at preparing specialised researchers capable of advancing authentic Islamic thought and contributing to the enrichment of the Islamic library with rigorous scholarly research on the heritage of Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them). 6. Academic Supervision and Monitoring: The Department places great emphasis on academic guidance for its female students, organising training and professional development programmes for faculty to enhance their scholarly and pedagogical competencies. Besides, regular semester-based evaluations of female students’ performance, continuous monitoring and assessment of lectures are conducted to ensure the quality of education and the achievement of the desired academic and educational objectives.

To prepare a conscious and distinguished generation capable of studying the sciences of Nahj Al-Balagha with profound methodological depth, and employing it in rigorous academic research, quality education, and cultural and religious guidance. Additionally, to be a beacon illuminating the paths of knowledge and contributing to building a society that draws inspiration from the values of truth, justice, and humanity from the school of Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them.(

We are committed to providing distinguished education that combines authenticity and contemporaneity through in-depth study of Nahj Al-Balagha as a comprehensive life methodology in thought, ethics, politics, and society. We further strive to graduate researchers, educators, and leaders who carry the message of authentic Islam, armed with solid scientific knowledge and deep cultural awareness, capable of serving society, enriching Islamic thought, and spreading the values of justice, wisdom, and mercy embodied by Amir Al-Mu’minin (peace be upon him).

1. Deepening religious and cultural understanding among students, enabling them to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application in educational, social, and political fields, and achieving integration between knowledge and action. 2. Graduating specialists scientifically and practically qualified in the study of Nahj Al-Balagha, possessing the ability to comprehend sacred texts, analyse them, and critically evaluate them using precise methodological scientific approaches, and compare them with other sources of knowledge. 3. Preserving and reviving Islamic and intellectual heritage through comprehensive and in-depth study of the sermons, letters, and aphorisms contained in Nahj Al-Balagha, connecting them with fundamental Islamic sources such as the Holy Qur’an, the noble Prophetic Sunnah, and the traditions of Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them). 4. Developing authentic scientific research in fields related to theology (‘ilm Al-Kalam), jurisprudence, ethics, philosophy, politics, administration, and rhetoric, based on Nahj Al-Balagha as a living practical model and testament to the greatness of Islamic thought. 5. Preparing students to conduct rigorous critical and analytical research in Islamic and Arabic studies, including discourse analysis, textual and contextual criticism, and the study of rhetorical, literary, and philosophical concepts, applying them in various contemporary contexts. 6. Building a missional generation that carries the concerns of the nation, contributes to spreading religious and cultural awareness, serves as a model in ethics and behaviour, and becomes a beacon in knowledge and learning.

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