The Sermon at a Glance

Text of the Sermon

The Transmission of this Sermon

Important Points

A Word About ‘A’ysha And Her Life History

An eye opener and intriguing read, this booklet explains and puts into
perspective the famous and widely misunderstood sermon given by Amir
al-mumineen Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) with regard to the
“deficiencies” in woman.


Commentary on Sermon 80 of Nahjul Balaghah

The Sermon at a Glance
======================

As it has been mentioned in the discussion concerning the transmission
of this sermon (as seen below), Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) delivered this sermon
after The Battle of the Camel (Al-Jamal) which took place in Baŝrah
(Iraq) in the year 656 ce/35 ah and the subsequent defeat of the army of
‘A’ysha b. Abi Bakr.

In this sermon, he reproaches women, and of course the meaning of him
‘reproaching women’ are only those types of women who had launched (such
calculated) attacks - those who were responsible for instigating The
Battle of the Camel. Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) referred to such women as having a
“deficiency” and it was because of this shortcoming that they engaged in
such detrimental activities. Therefore, he reprimanded them and warned
the believers to steer clear of their inductions.


