The Sacred Foundations of Justice in Islam: The Teachings of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (Perennial Philosophy Series)

Occasion for presenting this book:

20 February: World Day of Social Justice

Book Bibliographic Details:

Author: Reza Shah-Kazemi (Author), Leonard Lewisohn (Author), M. Ali Lakhani (Editor)

Publisher: ‎ World Wisdom

Length: 192 Pages

Language: English

ISBN: 978-1933316260

Publication Date: August 23, 2006

About the Book:

This profound volume, part of the Perennial Philosophy Series, delves into the spiritual and ethical heart of Islamic governance through the teachings of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Imam of Shi’ite Islam and the fourth Caliph of the Sunni world. Rather than viewing justice as a mere legalistic framework, the book presents it as a metaphysical necessity rooted in the very nature of the Divine. By synthesizing ‘Ali’s sermons, letters, and aphorisms—most notably those found in the Nahj al-Balagha—the work illustrates how the quest for equity is inseparable from the soul’s journey toward Truth. It serves as both a historical testament to ‘Ali’s legendary commitment to the marginalized and a timeless philosophical roadmap for establishing a society balanced by mercy, intellect, and sacred law.

About the Authors:

The expertise behind this collection represents a powerful intersection of scholarship, traditionalism, and spiritual inquiry. Reza Shah-Kazemi, a leading voice in Islamic studies and a Research Fellow at the Institute of Ismaili Studies, brings his deep mastery of ‘Ali’s inner teachings and comparative religion to the text. He is joined by the late Leonard Lewisohn, a renowned scholar of Persian and Sufi literature at the University of Exeter, whose work famously bridged the gap between classical Islamic poetry and mystical philosophy. Steering the project is Editor M. Ali Lakhani, the founder and editor of the journal Sacred Web. A lawyer by profession and a traditionalist philosopher by inclination, Lakhani ensures the volume maintains a rigorous focus on the Perennial Philosophy, framing ‘Ali’s 7th-century wisdom as a vital antidote to the fragmented ethics of the modern world.

Where to find it:

You can find the book at one of the online bookstores below:

• Al-Buraq Publications
• World Wisdom
• AbeBooks
• Ebay
• Amazon