Talutiyya Sermon

The Ṭālūtiyya Sermon (Arabic:الخطبة الطالوتية) is one of the speeches delivered by Imam Ali (a) after the Prophet's demise, in which he reproaches the people for their negligence in supporting him during the usurpation of the caliphate and warns them about the consequences of such indifference. In this sermon, the Imam (a) remarks that had he possessed supporters comparable to the companions of Talut, he would have rescued the community from the misguided path into which they had fallen.

In this sermon, Imam Ali (a) expounds several divine attributes and affirms the superiority of Islam over other religions. He identifies himself as the Prophet's designated successor, the one whom people have been commanded to follow. In this sermon, Imam Ali (a) regards a blessed end to one's life and the attainment of worldly and otherworldly blessings as among the fruits of following the Ahl al-Bayt (a). Conversely, he considers falling into darkness, the closure of the path to knowledge, and the emergence of discord among the people to be consequences of distancing oneself from the Ahl al-Bayt (a).

Al-Kulayni records this sermon in his al-Kafi citing Ibn Tihan as its transmitter. According to 'Allama al-Majlisi, although the Sermon of Talut is classified as weak from the standpoint of rijal criticism, its eloquence and rhetorical excellence allow it to be attributed to Imam Ali (a).

Introduction, Date, and Context of the Sermon

It is reported that the Sermon of Talut is among the sermons delivered by Imam Ali (a) in Medina after the passing of the Prophet (s). The reason for its designation as the ‘Talutiyya’ is understood to be its reference to the companions of Talut. In this sermon, Imam Ali (a) reproaches the people for their lack of resolve in supporting him during the usurpation of the caliphate and warns of the consequences of that negligence. 'Allama Tihrani regards this sermon as clear evidence explaining why Imam Ali (a), following the Prophet's demise, did not rise to reclaim his rightful position of authority and leadership over the community. Instead, he acted in accordance with the Prophet's instruction to remain silent and refrain from taking up the sword in the absence of sufficient supporters, so that no harm or damage would befall Islam.

Chain of Transmission

Al-Kulayni records the Talutiyya Sermon in the Rawḍah section of al-Kafi, transmitting it from Abu l-Haytham b. al-Tayyihan on the authority of Imam Ali (a). According to al-Allama al-Majlisi in Mir'at al-'uqul, although the Talutiyya Sermon is considered weak from the standpoint of biographical evaluation ('ilm al-rijal), the eloquence and rhetorical power found within it make it unlikely to have been uttered by anyone other than an infallible figure; therefore, it may be attributed to Imam Ali (a).

Content of the Sermon

In the Talutiyya Sermon, Imam Ali (a), in addition to praising the Lord and outlining some of His names and attributes, and affirming the prophethood of the Messenger (s), presents himself as the Prophet's designated successor and the scholar of the community, whom the people were commanded to follow in matters of leadership. In several passages of this sermon, the Imam (a) warns of the consequences of turning away from the Ahl al-Bayt (a). Conversely, he highlights to them the benefits of following the Imam and censures the people for their lack of support during the usurpation of the caliphate. Imam Ali (a) ultimately emphasizes that, had he possessed supporters equal in number to the companions of Talut or the Prophet's companions at the Battle of Badr, he would have guided the people back to the right path and prevented the deviations that had arisen in the religion.

The teachings of the Talutiyya Sermon are presented as follows:

• The attribute of God as al-Ḥayy (the Living One)
• The uniqueness and incomparability of God
• God's eternal sovereignty over the world, both before creation and after its eventual destruction
• God's transcendence of time and space
• The inability of humans to fully comprehend God
• God's qualities of being All-Seeing, All-Hearing, and All-Powerful
• Affirmation of the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad (s) and the triumph of Islam over all previous religions
• The deception of Muslims and their following of base desires, failing to tread the clear path of the Imamate and leadership of the Ahl al-Bayt (a)
• Following the Ahl al-Bayt (a) as a means of attaining both worldly and spiritual blessings and a good outcome in the Hereafter
• The closing of the path of knowledge for the people, their falling into disputes, and deviation from the straight path as a consequence of turning away from the Ahl al-Bayt (a)

Events Following the Sermon

According to the narration of Ibn Tayhan, after delivering the Talutiyya Sermon and leaving the mosque, 360 individuals pledged allegiance to Imam Ali (a) during the night, committing to stand by him to the utmost of their lives in support of his rightful claims. The Imam (a) instructed them to appear the next morning, with shaved heads, at a place called Ahjar al-zayt on the outskirts of Medina. However, of that number, only Abu Dharr, Miqdad, Hudhayfa ibn Yaman, 'Ammar Yasir, and Salman showed up at the designated location. According to the narrator, upon witnessing this situation, the Imam (a) complained to God about the behavior of the people and emphasized that, for the sake of the Prophet's instructions, he would exercise patience regarding the conduct of the Muslims.