Publication:ÌýJustice and Remembrance:ÌýIntroducing the Spirituality ofÌýImamÌý‘A±ô¾±
Author:ÌýDr Reza Shah-Kazemi
In this 28 min Interview, Dr Shah-Kazemi elaborates onÌýImamÌý‘A±ô¾±â€™s worldview and his ethical orientation towards justice.ÌýDr Shah-Kazemi reflects that the notion of Justice inÌýImamÌýAli’s worldview is immeasurably deepened by the spiritual precepts of the Islamic faith. The spirit underlying moral rules and ethical values is strengthened by a commitment to transcendent principles, even though – or precisely because – these principles surpass the realm of actionÌýwithin which those rules and precepts operate. Contemplation and action are seen in this perspective as complementary, not contradictory. ThisÌýcomplementarity is presented as an aspect ofÌýtawhid, of ‘integrating oneness’–one of the ways in which the Dr Shah-Kazemi have translated this central principle of Islam.
Justice and Remembrance is the first serious book in any western language on the intellectual and spiritual merits ofÌýImamÌý‘A±ô¾±, arguably the single most important figure in Muslim history after the Prophet himself. Ali ibn Abi Talib was the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, firstÌýImamÌýof all Shi’a Muslims, and Ìýfourth of the ‘rightly guided’ caliphs.ÌýThe principal sources used in this book are theÌýNahj al-balaghaÌýand theÌýGhurar al-hikam. TheÌýNahj, by far the most important source of sayings, sermons, and letters of theÌýImam, was compiled by al-sharif came to mean in most cases being a descendent of the Prophet’s clan, the Hashimids (Banu Hashim); it also meant being an ‘Alid, a descendant ofÌýImamÌýAli. “>SharifÌýal-Radi (d. 406/1016), a renowned Shi‘i scholar of ‘Abbasid Baghdad.
Questions addressed in the interview:
1. What motivated you to write a book onÌýImamÌý‘A±ô¾±?
2. Who is the target audience for this work?
3. This is the first serious study on the intellectuality and spirituality ofÌýImamÌý‘A±ô¾± in a western language. In your opinion, why was this topic never addressed in English before?
4. Could you please elaborate on the relationship between divine and human justice discussed in your book?
5. Could you please tell us about the spiritual teachings ofÌýImamÌý‘A±ô¾± and his influence onÌýSufism?
6.ÌýImamÌý‘A±ô¾± is an inspirational figure for all Muslims. How do you think your book will be received in the larger Muslim community?
