Discovering the Trinity of Writing in Nahjul Balagha: A Model for Crafting Meaningful Prose

-

A modern, inspirational, warm cozy wrter's nook serene scene of a hijabi sitting at the desk surrounded by open books, pen in hand, as golden light streams through the sheer curains. The room has an Islamic atmosphere but not traditional candles and spiritual flowers are present and coffee. The focus is on a single illuminated book, symbolizing the discovery of profound wisdom. The overall atmosphere evokes reflection, learning, and the transcendence of divine inspiration.
Exploring Imam Ali's Sermon 104 as a Teaching Method for the Harmony of Action, Identification, and Adjective 

(I would like to apologize for a mistake that I made in previous blog posts - the sermon that I was reading when I was struck with the trinity of writing was this Sermon 104 not 105 as previously stated so now you have both broken down)

Action: Driving the Narrative

Verbs are the core of action, providing the movement and momentum of the text. Actions create a dynamic framework for the narrative.

Examples:

  1. Sent: ("Allah Almighty sent Muhammad.")
    • Action Analysis: This opening sets the stage for the entire narrative by initiating the Prophet’s divine mission.
  2. Fought: ("He had to fight those who disobeyed him.")
    • Action Analysis: Introduces conflict and struggle, showing the Prophet's active role in leading a movement.
  3. Led: ("Leading them towards their salvation.")
    • Action Analysis: Adds purpose to the struggle, emphasizing guidance and goal-oriented effort.
  4. Stood: ("He stood at him till he got him his aim.")
    • Action Analysis: Conveys perseverance and a deeply personal, hands-on approach to leadership.

Identification: Establishing Roles and Relationships

Nouns and pronouns anchor the writing by identifying the subjects and objects of the actions, helping readers visualize who is involved and what is at stake.

Examples:

  1. Allah:
    • Identification Analysis: Establishes the source of authority and the ultimate sender of the mission.
  2. Muhammad:
    • Identification Analysis: Centers the narrative on the Prophet as the primary actor and figure of transformation.
  3. The Arabs:
    • Identification Analysis: Identifies the initial audience, described as unprepared and in need of guidance.
  4. The weary and distressed:
    • Identification Analysis: Highlights those who required help, adding an emotional layer to the Prophet's mission.
  5. The worst (those with no virtue):
    • Identification Analysis: Introduces contrast by defining those who were beyond redemption, emphasizing the challenges faced.

Adjective: Creating Depth and Tone

Adjectives enhance the narrative by adding emotional weight, visual imagery, or moral judgment. They give life to the actions and identifications.

Examples:

  1. Unlearned: ("No one among the Arabs read the Book.")
    • Adjective Analysis: Sets the stage for the Prophet’s mission, highlighting the spiritual and intellectual void.
  2. Weary and distressed: ("When any weary person sighed or a distressed one stopped.")
    • Adjective Analysis: Evokes sympathy and underscores the Prophet’s compassion.
  3. Worst: ("Except the worst in whom there was not virtue at all.")
    • Adjective Analysis: Marks a clear boundary between those who could be guided and those who resisted transformation.
  4. Straightened: ("Their spears got straightened.")
    • Adjective Analysis: Symbolizes unity and readiness, reflecting the ultimate outcome of the Prophet’s mission.

Bringing It All Together: The Trinity in Action

Each sentence in Sermon 104 integrates action, identification, and adjective to create a balanced and impactful narrative. For example:

  • Sentence: "He stood at him till he got him his aim, except the worst in whom there was not virtue at all."
    • Action: Stood, got.
    • Identification: He (Prophet Muhammad), him (the distressed), the worst (those without virtue).
    • Adjective: Distressed, worst, virtue (as a descriptive moral concept).

This trinity creates a three-dimensional structure:

  1. Action: Progresses the story.
  2. Identification: Grounds it in clear characters or objects.
  3. Adjective: Shapes the tone and emotional resonance.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Designing Your Sacred Writing Ritual: Inspired by the Imams and Scholars of the Islamic Golden Age

-
Image
Transform your writing into worship by following the timeless habits of the scholars and saints. In the tradition of the great Islamic thinkers — from the spiritual precision of Imam Ali (as) to the contemplative depth of Imam al-Ghazali — writing was never a casual act. It was a means of worship, reflection, and transmission of truth. These noble men didn’t just write from intellect — they wrote through the heart, with profound reverence. In our modern age, many writers hunger for something deeper — a ritual that grounds their voice, a rhythm that nourishes both creativity and spirit. The answer may lie in the very traditions that once turned ink into illumination. Below is a step-by-step template to create your own writing ritual , based on the sacred routines of scholars and Imams of old — so that writing becomes not just an act of expression, but an act of worship and alignment. Step 1: Begin with Wudu (or Intentional Purification) 🔹 What they did: The Imams (as) and early...
Read more

The Independent Believer's Study Log

-
Image
786 📘 Your Spiritual Study Journal A Structured System for Independent Growth, Divine Alignment, and Generational Connection This journal is not just a notebook. It is a replicable divine framework — one you can follow and pass on. Whether you’re walking this path alone or sharing it with others, this study system gives you structure, rhythm, and resonance. It’s been intentionally designed—or rather, not designed at all. A fallible mind could never devise a system this perfect. As you explore it, you’ll witness just how wise, harmonious, and aligned it is with our inner nature ( fitra ) and the universal order. The more we delve into its timing, detail, and precision, the clearer this becomes. It is, in truth, divinely designed to support: Clarity of thought Spiritual neuroplasticity (creating real change through repetition and writing) A sense of divine order The intergenerational transmission of light and legacy ⚠️ Please note : This system is not a replacement for Is...
Read more

Writing Worlds: The Power of Authentic Creation

-
Image
Through the pen, we manifest our inner truths and shape the realities we wish to inhabit.   Manifesting Worlds Through Authentic Writing When we write from the depths of our soul, we’re not merely putting words on a page. We’re creating worlds—worlds that mirror the most authentic parts of ourselves. Writing becomes an act of spiritual expression, where the soul aligns with the divine to reveal its unique vision. Take, for example, a story of love. If it’s written from a place of authenticity and connection, not for market trends or societal approval, it carries the weight of truth. It becomes a reflection of what the writer’s soul understands as possible in this world. In this way, writing isn’t just storytelling; it’s manifesting what could be. This act of creation is often more profound in writing than in speaking. When we write, we aren’t absorbing the energies or societal politics of those around us. In conversation, we may adjust, lower, or even mask our truth, influenced by ...
Read more