The Purposes of Islamic State from the Perspective of Nahjul-balaghah

In addition to providing security and establishing order, various political systems highlight different purposes for the state. Some suggest economic justice, some propose political development and others underscore economic development and minimal state. The main characteristic of such systems is that they limit state’s task to the provision of man’s basic needs such as housing, food, health services and provision of citizens’ material rights.However, they consider addressing ethical, spiritual and religious affairs as outside the scope of state’s goals. This paper will explore the most important intermediate goals of Islamic state, namely social justice, social liberty, economic development and ethical, cultural and spiritual training from the perspective of Nahjul-balaghah. If these goals are realized, society will move toward the main goal which is characterized by closeness to God and human perfection. In sum, in addition to worldly aims and establishment of justiceand development in various fields, the scope of the ideals of Islamic state also includes such goals as those belonging to the hereafter and eternal happiness and provision of man’s spiritual needs as well as his material requirements.