The governance approach and the components of the social welfare practiced by Imam Ali (pbuh) from the perspective of the Nahj al-Balagha

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Graduate in the Department of Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Theology, Al-Zahra University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Master's Student in the Department of Cultural-Social Studies, School of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.30512/kq.2025.22881.4008

Abstract

Concerns for welfare have been an enduring aspect of human life. Wherever and whenever governance has existed, traces of social welfare can be found. This article aims to explore the approach and the components of social welfare in the conduct of Imam Ali (pbuh). To achieve the research objective, library sources particularly Nahj al-Balagha are examined. Additionally, a thematic analysis is performed in the framework of Imam’s conducts. To establish and strengthen social welfare, the path of truth and justice must be followed, which, depending on circumstances and characteristics, requires either equality or merit-based fairness. The components of social welfare, with respect to governing actors, include financial-economic, security-military, oversight-judicial, moral, social, and religious components. The findings from examining the conduct of Imam Ali (pbuh), both his approach and its components, in Nahj al-Balagha reveal that upholding truth and justice plays a pivotal and decisive role in achieving social welfare. Indeed, social welfare is a concept intrinsically tied to justice and the observance of rights. The derived components further demonstrate that Imam Ali (pbuh) adopted a comprehensive multidimensional perspective to establish social welfare. Notably, Nahj al-Balagha emphasizes the religious dimension of the society as a component of social welfare, reflecting the Imam’s holistic vision.

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References

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Ketab-E-Qayyem
Volume 15, Issue 32
March 2025
Pages 193-209

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History

  • Receive Date: 23 December 2023
  • Revise Date: 26 April 2024
  • Accept Date: 28 April 2024

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