The art of illustration in Nahj al-Balaga

One of the incerdible methods used in Nahj al-Balaga for reviving the sense and vitaliging the concept is the method of illustration. Through this method many of the religious facts and monotheistic teachings are demonstrated in practical and perceptible forms and spiritual and different states of mind and spirit are given life. Imam Alis words are so abundant of literal images metaphors and allegories that in many cases it is more like a beautiful picture rather than silent and dead words. In this article we are to define the concept of illustration and its role in giving life to different concepts as well as studying this subject in Nahj al-Balaga. In addition we have categorized different kinds of illustration in Nahj al-Balaga accompanied by examples from Imams words.