Ma`rifat Kalami

According to the theory of intertextuality, no text or discourse exists that is not derived from other texts. The Holy Qur’an, which is the miracle of the Noble Prophet and was sent for the guidance of humanity, has inspired many religious and theological works by great scholars. Nahj al-Balāghah is one of the texts that has been profoundly influenced by the Qur’an, and its intertextual relationship with Qur’anic verses is extensive. Examining all dimensions of intertextuality between Nahj al-Balāghah and the Qur’an requires numerous studies. Focusing on the topic of “prophethood,” the present research employs a descriptive–analytical method to answer the question: What is the nature of the allusive intertextual relations concerning prophethood between Nahj al-Balāghah and the Qur’an? The findings indicate that Imam ʿAlī (peace be upon him) extensively explained issues related to prophethood—especially specific prophethood—by drawing inspiration from Qur’anic verses. General prophethood is mentioned twenty-two times, reflecting themes such as God’s selection of prophets for guidance, the covenant taken from the prophets, and their duty of conveying the message. Specific prophethood is mentioned forty-five times and includes topics such as the recognition of the Seal of the Prophets by followers of other religions, the guidance of the pre-Islamic Arabs and their salvation from Hellfire, glad tidings of the final Prophet’s mission, and the Ahl al-Bayt as the successors of the Prophet.