The Trinity of Writing: Lessons from Imam Ali’s Nahjul Balagha

How Purpose, Action, and Ethical Beauty Create Meaningful Expression

As writers, we constantly seek structure and meaning in our work. For me, this search for clarity led to an “aha” moment while reading Nahjul Balagha—the collection of sermons, letters, and sayings of Imam Ali (AS), the voice of human justice and one of the greatest teachers in history. In Sermon 105, Imam Ali describes the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in such profound terms that it revealed to me a trinity that is not only central to leadership and faith but also to the art of writing.

This trinity can be summarized as Identification, Action, and Adjective.

1. Identification (Purpose): What do we do things for? In writing, this corresponds to our central theme or idea—the purpose of our narrative. Imam Ali highlights the Prophet’s mission to guide humanity, connecting people to Allah as the ultimate purpose of his life and leadership. Similarly, in writing, every word should serve a clear purpose, driving toward the essence of the story or message.

2. Action (Execution): This is the “how”—the methods and actions that give life to our purpose. Imam Ali beautifully explains the Prophet’s practical example as a leader and teacher, emphasizing his ability to implement his mission. In writing, this translates to the structure, plot, and narrative movement that carry the reader forward.

3. Adjective (Ethical Beauty): This is the “what kind of”—the beauty and values that elevate action. Imam Ali speaks of the Prophet’s unmatched character, his mercy, wisdom, and ethical approach that made his actions inspiring and transformative. In writing, this is where we bring out the beauty in language, the moral compass in our characters, and the emotional depth in our work.

This trinity aligns with countless models in life: Freud’s Superego, Ego, and Id, or the Islamic framework of Allah, the Prophet, and the Imams—each providing identification, action, and beautification to the human journey. It’s a universal system of threes that mobilizes everything around us, including creative expression.

For the introspective writer, this framework is a call to reflect on how our writing mirrors our greater purpose. What do we stand for? How do we execute it? And how do we elevate it to resonate with truth, ethics, and beauty?

By embedding this trinity into our writing, we can transform words into something meaningful, impactful, and timeless.

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Further Reading & References

1. Nahjul Balagha (Peak of Eloquence)

   • A collection of sermons, letters, and sayings of Imam Ali (AS), widely regarded as a masterpiece of Islamic thought and literature. Sermon 105, in particular, highlights the Prophet Muhammad’s virtues and role in human justice and ethical leadership.

2. The Three Dimensions of Islam

   • Explore the spiritual, ethical, and practical aspects of Islam, often categorized as Iman (faith), Islam (action), and Ihsan (excellence and beauty), and how these principles align with creativity and writing.

3. Freudian Psychology in Art and Literature

   • Learn how Freud’s model of Superego, Ego, and Id can be applied to creative expression, offering insights into character development and narrative structure.

4. Writing as a Moral Practice

   • Investigate how writers can use stories to explore ethics and elevate their narratives with themes of justice, compassion, and beauty, much like Imam Ali's description of the Prophet's life.

5. Books on Narrative and Purpose:

   • The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler
   • Steering the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guin