3 Life Lessons from the Sermons of Imam Ali (a.s.)

1. Stand for Justice — Always

Justice was one of the central principles of Imam Ali’s (a.s.) leadership and personal character. His approach to justice wasn’t limited to politics or law. It extended into daily life — how we treat people, how we make decisions, and how we examine ourselves.

“Justice is the foundation on which the world stands.”
— Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 216

For Imam Ali, justice was not about punishing others. It was about putting things in their rightful place, ensuring that no one was oppressed, and no right was denied. He warned against favoritism, corruption, and even subtle forms of injustice, such as judging others without knowing their full story.
In one of his most famous letters to Malik al-Ashtar (his appointed governor of Egypt), Imam Ali instructed him to treat all people with compassion, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, saying:

“People are of two kinds: either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity.”

2. Don’t Get Too Comfortable with This World

One of Imam Ali’s (a.s.) recurring themes is the temporary nature of this world (dunya). He reminds us not to become so attached to material things that we forget our purpose. The comforts, wealth, and pleasures of this life are fleeting — and chasing them endlessly can pull us away from Allah.

“The world is a place of passage, not a place of permanence.”
— Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 203

Imam Ali didn’t discourage us from living comfortably or using the blessings Allah gives us. But he warned against allowing those blessings to blind us. He reminded people that life is a journey — and the destination is the Akhirah (Hereafter).

3. Knowledge Means Nothing Without Action

Imam Ali (a.s.) is known as the "Gateway to Knowledge," and yet, he didn’t just admire scholars — he valued those who acted on their knowledge. For him, true knowledge was not about how much you knew, but about how you used it to better yourself and those around you.

“Knowledge enlivens the soul.”
— Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 80

He warned people that acquiring knowledge without sincerity or humility could lead to arrogance. And worse, knowledge without action could become a burden rather than a blessing.
In today's world — where Islamic information is everywhere — this reminder is more important than ever.

Let this guide you:

Don’t just watch lectures or read books — reflect and apply what you learn.
Let knowledge refine your character, not inflate your ego.
Teach others what you learn, and be open to learning from those younger or less educated.
Make dua for sincerity — that you learn and live for the sake of Allah, not applause.

3 Life Lessons from the Sermons of Imam Ali (a.s)

Nahj al-Balagha, the collection of sermons, letters, and sayings of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.), is filled with divine wisdom, moral teachings, and timeless life lessons. His sermons do not only address the people of his time but serve as a guide for all generations.

1. Stand for Justice — Always

2. Don’t Get Too Comfortable with This World

3. Knowledge Means Nothing Without Action