Analysis of Imam Ali’s Critical Position against the Opposing Claims of the Nakithin (focusing on Nahj al-Balaghah)

From the viewpoint of Amir al-Mu'minin Imam Alī (PBUH), it is very significant to embrace criticism and have a fair judgment while dealing with adversaries. Since the domestic opposition groups, often expressing their dissatisfaction with the Islamic state, aim at disrupting public order and disconcerting public opinion, reflecting on Imam Alī’s (PBUH) critical approach against the opposition groups will provide an exemplary and appropriate model for the Islamic community. Thus, employing an innovative approach, the present study investigates the collection of Imam Alī’s (PBUH) sayings about Al-Nākithūn in a scientific and systematic manner of “content analysis”. Using this interdisciplinary and textual approach, one can recognize Imam Alī’s (PBUH) critical approach against Al-Nākithūn as following: “logical consideration of Al-Nākithūn’s requests before their leaving”, which includes hearing and definite evaluation of Al-Nākithūn’s requests such as requesting a share of Bait-ul-Mal, seeking power, and requesting permission to leave Medina; “critical observation and analysis of their claims after leaving”, as Imam Alī (PBUH) decisively and insightfully and logically analyzed Al-Nākithūn’s false requests regarding the forceful oath of allegiance and revenging Uthman’s blood; “proving their opposition to Islamic State”, which aims at explaining the philosophy of jihad against Al-Nākithūn; “tracing the main elements of their opposition”; intending to enlighten the Islamic society, Imam Alī (PBUH) mentioned ignorance and falsehood, rejecting consultation, vengeance, and avaricious as the most important motives for Al-Nākithūn’s enmity.