Multifaceted Legitimacy, a Reflection on the Foundations of Legitimacy of Political System within the Conduct and Speech of Imam Ali -PBUH-

It is questioned around the bases on which the legitimacy of government is founded and the possibility of looking for the foundations of legitimacy in the modern theories within the conduct and speech of Imam Ali. Through the comparative method, this article tries to answer these issues. In this regard, it will initially explain some theories of legitimacy. In accordance with the findings of this section, legitimacy is not considered an extended issue but a multifaceted phenomenon including different dimensions such as functions, public satisfaction, rule and ethics as well as norms. Next, in the second part, the aforementioned dimensions have been investigated within the conduct and speech of Imam Ali and finally, it is concluded that in view of Imam Ali PBUH, legitimacy would be described as a multidimensional matter and based on the diverse dimensions and governments; it is supposed to be of some properties to be considered legitimate. In fact, the complete legitimacy resembles an ideal status and the governments are of legitimacy to the extent of proximity to this status, moreover they possess the right of commandment.