An Analysis of Validity of Malik al-Ashtar’s Treaty in View of Ayatollah Khamenei

This article examines the level of validity of Malik al-Ashtar’s Treaty in View of Ayatollah Khamenei using a descriptive-analytic method. It also employs Rejal science, Fiqh, and details and research to expound on Nahj-ol-Balaghe and the authenticity of letter 54, famously known as the treaty of Malik Ashtar. The current research first examines personal traits of Malik al-Ashtar addressed directly by Imam Ali (as) in the letter. Then, it studies the reputation of the letter among Ulama (scholars) and Fuqaha (Islamic jurists) in the past, and it turned out that the letter enjoyed a good reputation among scholars and other books. From Ayatollah Khamenei’s viewpoint, the treaty lacks the status of a Sahih Hadith. Studying its source and evidence, it was found out that Asbagh ibn Nobate was among Imam Ali’s companions and was a reliable source of narration. From among other narrators, Sa’ad ibn Zarif has been undermined by Ghazaeri, but other followers of Rejali principle have endorsed him. Undermining Ghazaeri and expressing support for other public figures carry the elements of validity and resistance. Therefore, the Sahih Hadith is true for him and efforts by scholars in the past decades has contributed to the letter’s reputation. Ayatollah Khamenei believes scholars of various fields have found the treaty useful and it seems that the reputation of the letter and its strong content have enhanced its validity among Ulama.