Knowledge of Man in Nahj al-Balagha

Knowledge of man in Imam Ali’s teachings in Nahj al-Balagha is a fundamental, structural knowledge, for all human affairs are dependent upon knowledge of man; and even kind of knowledge of man determines tendencies, values, methods, actions, and systems of human life. Knowledge of man’s reality is the most significant facet of such knowledge: man is an existent who is endowed with all talents and can be taught by all God’s most beautiful Names and highest Attributes. A series of internal and external factors are involved in the formation of man’s educational structure and dispositions. It is the result of such factors, the most significant of which being man’s will, that forms man’s spiritual personality. God has considered man so great that He has delivered determination of destiny of the latter to himself. This existent is not merely a this-worldly creature; rather, this world is a place where man can prepare grounds for going to the destination he is created for. In his way to evolution, man can go such far that he may become a perfect man; a man who has controlled his lusts and made his intellect thrive.