New biography Ruh al-Amin presents Nasrallah in his words
A new biography, “Ruh al-Amin,” offers an intimate portrait of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, crafted entirely from his own speeches to present his life and legacy in his own voice.
Ruh al-Amin, a compelling new book by Elahe Akherati and published by Hamaseh Yaran, offers an unprecedented and intimate portrait of one of the most significant figures in West Asia: Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
More than a standard biography, this 312-page volume is a meticulously curated collection of the Nasrallah’s own words, presenting his life and ideology directly through 170 hours of his speeches and interviews, translated from Arabic to Farsi without alteration.
Structured into seventeen chapters, the book traces Nasrallah’s journey from his childhood to the weeks preceding his martyrdom.
It opens a unique window into his personal, religious, political, military, and family life.
Readers are given a profound understanding of the key influences on him, from figures like Imam Khomeini (RA), the founder of the Islamic Republic, and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to thinkers such as Shahid Mohammad Baqir al-Sadr and Imam Musa al-Sadr.
The book also details his relationships with comrades like Hajj Imad Mughniyeh and the revered martyred Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps’ (IRGC) Quds Force Commander.
The author’s methodology is the book’s greatest strength. Akherati states in the introduction, “No one could speak about Nasrallah more eloquently or precisely than the Sayyed himself.”
She immersed herself in his vast archive of orations and conversations, weaving together excerpts from different sources for each chapter to create a comprehensive narrative.
While the order of paragraphs may have been adjusted for coherence, every single line in the book is a direct translation of his speech; text in brackets is used sparingly for essential context, and nothing has been added or subtracted from his original words.
This first-person narrative style creates an powerful sense of immediacy, making the reader feel as if they are the direct recipient of the Sayyed’s compelling voice.
The book is also rigorously sourced, with footnotes in each chapter listing the origin of every excerpt and providing supplementary information from family and fellow resistance fighters where Nasrallah’s own modesty led him to omit details.
Ruh al-Amin is an essential primary source for anyone seeking to understand the man behind the title, offering a deeply human perspective on decades of resistance, faith, and history in Lebanon.
It is not just a book to be read, but a testimony to be heard. As “Ruh al-Amin” finds its way to readers, it does more than just document a life; it secures a voice for history.
It allows Nasrallah to define his own legacy, his way, presenting a narrative of unwavering resistance, deep faith, and personal sacrifice directly to the Persian-speaking world.
Ultimately, “Ruh al-Amin” ensures that his voice, with all its conviction and complexity, will continue to be heard long after his passing.
By meticulously preserving Nasrallah’s own words, Akherati has created a document that is both timely and timeless. “Ruh al-Amin” is not simply a book about a leader; it is a book about leadership, about conviction, and about the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity.
The book serves as a bridge, connecting the Persian-speaking world to the heart and mind of a man who has shaped the region’s destiny in profound ways. And as such, it is more than just a book; it is a legacy enshrined in ink, a voice amplified for generations to hear.
As readers delve into “Ruh al-Amin,” they embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional biography.
The book serves as a portal, allowing direct access to Nasrallah’s inner world, his spiritual convictions, and his strategic vision for the region.
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, born in Beirut on August 31, 1960, commenced his religious education in Lebanon and continued in Najaf.
Forced to leave Iraq by the Ba’ath regime, he moved to Qom, Iran, where he encountered the Islamic Revolution and the ideology of Imam Khomeini (RA).
The prominent figure learned Persian and became Imam Khomeini’s representative in Lebanon.
Nasrallah, known as the “Sayyed of Resistance,” is a founder and the third Secretary-General of Hezbollah, a position he held from 1992 to 2024.
Under his leadership, Hezbollah evolved into a regional power. Key events during his tenure include the liberation of South Lebanon in 2000, the 2004 prisoner exchange with Israel, and Hezbollah’s victory in the 2006 Lebanon War. His resistance against Israel has cemented his reputation as a prominent leader in the Arab world.
Reported by Tohid Mahmoudpour
