The Imam Ali Holy Shrine has announced the launch of a project to create a rare handwritten edition of Nahj Al-Balagha, describing it as the first undertaking of its kind in the Islamic world.

Karrar Jaseb, head of the shrine’s Department of Intellectual and Cultural Affairs, said the initiative aims to produce a distinguished archival copy of the renowned work attributed to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him). He noted that the project seeks to preserve the authenticity of Islamic heritage while incorporating high artistic and scholarly standards.

According to Jaseb, the holy shrine has long supported the study and preservation of Nahj Al-Balagha through research programmes, critical verification projects and the development of specialized indexes. He described the new manuscript as a landmark effort distinguished by its meticulous organization, precision and artistic craftsmanship.

Calligrapher Hazem Al-Hilou said the manuscript will be produced using traditional techniques and materials, including natural paper, handcrafted inks, reed pens and decorative elements inspired by classical Islamic manuscript traditions. The project is expected to take approximately one year to complete and will be carried out by a select team of calligraphers affiliated with the holy shrine.

The work will be presented in three volumes, with each page featuring 14 lines of text, symbolically representing the Fourteen Infallibles (peace be upon them).

Widely regarded as one of the most significant intellectual and literary treasures of Islamic heritage, Nahj Al-Balagha contains a collection of sermons, letters and sayings attributed to Imam Ali (peace be upon him), offering enduring insights into faith, governance, ethics and human conduct.