نشریه پژوهش های نهج البلاغه
سال بیست و سوم شماره 2 (پیاپی 81، تابستان 1403)

The present study aims to examine first created being in material world  and the origin of creation in the Quran and the first sermon of Nahjul-Balaghah using an analytical - descriptive method. In this research, it is investigated that everything was initially unified and integral, and then gradually separated. The first element and the forces involved in the creation of the heavens and the earth are subtly mentioned in the Quran. Imam Ali (AS) also beautifully described this element and its driving forces in the first sermon of Nahjul Balaghah. This element, which is “water”, was created and developed by these forces to form the current world order. In addition to water, other elements such as gas or smoke (referred to as Ad-Dukhan in the Quran) and Zabad (foam) were also used in the creation process. Specifically, the heavens were created from Ad-Dukhan  and the earth from Zabad. God also created celestial bodies and beings below the Throne from this water. This research, using library resources and examining the references in the Quran and the words of Imam Ali (AS) in his first sermon, has analyzed the quality of the creation of these elements.

The idea of the historicity of the Quran has been defined in many ways in contemporary times. The Quran's influence on historical phenomena and temporal factors is a common element in all of the definitions. This idea has posed challenges to the debate about the transcendental nature of Quranic teachings. The present study, with emphasis on Nahjul-Balaghah, seeks to explain Imam Ali's (AS) view on the transcendental nature of the Quran. The main goal of this study is to examine and criticize, using a descriptive-analytical method, the foundations of the historicity of the Quran, which have been raised in the works of contemporary religious thinkers, based on the view of Imam Ali (AS). There are numerous statements in Nahjul-Balaghah that indicate that Quran is transcendental and not influenced by the culture of the era of its revelation. Hazrat Ali (AS) confirmed the non-historicity of the Quran with rational and narrational reasons and considered the Quran to be a comprehensive book that meets human needs on the path of guidance. Imam Ali (AS) agrees with the idea that the historicity of the Quran implies that its verses point to the realism of its laws and the importance of discovering the relationships between these laws. Furthermore, he endorses the notion that the Quran's messages should be considered when addressing new issues and contemporary topics.

Education is the creation of conditions that lead to the growth and advancement of human potential and actual powers. A sound education fosters human development through rigorous and practical approaches.This research aims to achieve educational methods based on Imam Ali's (AS) teachings and developmental psychology. This comparative descriptive-analytical research was developed according to the subject area using the teachings of Nahjul-Balaghah and learning theory through the data collection method. To collect data, the narrations of Imam Ali (AS) and the theories of psychologists of learning theory were studied with the training approach. Then, the data were selected and analyzed through the stages of open coding and axial coding. Some of the most significant educational methods in the teachings of Imam Ali (AS) include: role-modeling, learning from history, rewards and punishments, game, prayer, teaching and reasoning, practice and habit formation, halal nutrition. Additionally, methods such as emulation, experience and learning from history, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, game, rational development, and broadening perspectives are considered primary techniques of education in learning theories. Results suggest that His  multifaceted and comprehensive approach, combined with the achievements of empirical sciences, has a remarkable effective role in institutionalizing education.

Upon assuming the caliphate, Imam Ali (AS) faced opposition from various factions that had lost their perceived gains during his 25 years of seclusion. Among these groups were the Qasitin, who, for more than two years, openly opposed and waged war against the Imam, forcing him to confront falsehood, hypocrisy, and deceit. Their rebellions led to significant divisions and bloodshed among Muslims.This research was conducted analytically and examined the words of Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) in Nahjul-Balaghah about the Qasitin, their goal and method in their hostility towards the Imam (AS), and also the consequences of the formation of the Qasitin.The findings of this study show that the hypocrisy of the leaders of the Qasitin movement was certain. They, motivated by reaching the position of the caliphate as the highest political position and the treasury as the largest financial source of Muslims, sought to dominate all Muslim affairs so that they could destroy the religion of Islam. In this way, they used hard tools such as direct and proxy war and soft tools such as changing the concept of imamate to caliphate, psychological warfare, and arbitration. This movement led to the emergence of the Battle of Siffin and Nahrwan and subsequently created different ideological and intellectual schools of thought, each of which became a source of disagreement among Muslims.

In today's world, the military arena is a realm of violence, harshness, oppression, and arrogance, to the extent that efforts to prevent war, humanistic approach to fellow human beings, compassion for prisoners, and so on are unfamiliar phrases in the world's military culture.This article, employing a descriptive-analytical and library-based methodology, seeks to explore the factors contributing to the elevation of the defense forces from the perspective of the scientific and practical Sirah of Amir al-Mu'minin Ali (AS). The study focuses on the life and teachings of Imam Ali (AS), who served as a dedicated soldier at the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and later commanded the army of truth against falsehood during His short supremacy.Based on the Sirah and orders of the Amir al-Mu'minin Ali (AS), recruiting committed and competent human resources, appointing competent individuals to leadership positions, establishing order and discipline, maintaining the proficiency and readiness of forces, monitoring the enemy, strengthening deterrents to war, and disciplining forces in defensive manners based on Islamic teachings are fundamental foundations for the advancement of military and law enforcement forces. From the perspective of Nahjul-Balaghah, maintaining decisiveness and firmness, reducing tension, commitment to treaties, denying the enemy’s power to aggress, and increasing defensive capabilities are among the factors and foundations of deterring war. Moreover, avoiding warmongering, giving the enemy a final warning before engaging in battle, granting immunity to enemy envoys for negotiation, and treating prisoners of war humanely, are examples of the defensive conduct in the Sirah of Imam Ali (AS).

Lifestyle refers to the particular manner and method of life of an individual or society. Specific cognitive and belief systems define the type of lifestyle, differentiating individuals' lifestyles within communities. In Islam, due to the authentic teachings of the Quran and Hadith, numerous criteria for a righteous life have been outlined. The objective of this research, conducted using a descriptive-analytical method, is to identify and analyze the individual and social components of a righteous lifestyle from the perspective of Imam Ali (AS) as presented in Nahj al-Balaghah. The aim is to discover and introduce authentic lifestyle solutions through the teachings of Imam Ali (AS). Referencing, researching, and examining Nahj al-Balaghah, a valuable collection of the guidelines of Amir al-Mu'minin Ali (AS), is necessary for attaining a comprehensive individual and social lifestyle. Studies indicate that approaches such as a sense of responsibility, consulting with the wise and knowledgeable, contemplation and deep thinking, justice-seeking, good manners, anger management, moderation in affairs, and characteristics of a desirable lifestyle as viewed by Imam Ali (AS) in Nahj al-Balaghah, are key factors. Paying attention to each of these can significantly contribute to improving social relations and a fulfilling life. Ultimately, the ideal Alavi lifestyle strengthens morality and paves the way for the upliftment of Islamic society

Although analyzing the multifaceted and complex personality of Imam Ali (AS) is a challenging task, through an analytical examination of early Islamic history and the text of Nahj al-Balaghah, one can to some extent become familiar with the various yet unified aspects of this complete human being. In this paper, we grapple with the following question: How was Amir al-Mu'minin Ali (AS), while leading a powerful and active government, able to maintain his integrity and adhere to truth and justice in the face of the significant challenges of his time? To answer this profound question, we propose the hypothesis that Imam Ali (AS), due to the educational teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, became a symbol of religious obligations and moral policies as a leader of the pious. For this reason, He safely passed through the doubts about power-oriented politics and, by relying on the educational support of the Prophet, he achieved his singularity. In this article, we have employed a qualitative content analysis method, along with a study of historical documents and Nahj al-Balaghah. Our aim is to provide a semantic analysis of the most significant events related to the leadership and political actions of Amir al-Mu'minin Ali (AS).

Shi'a theologians and hadith scholars have, since the beginning of the Occultation, expounded upon the concepts of Imamate and Imam from various perspectives, including universal leadership, divine knowledge, caliphate, and divine proof. Additionally, Imamate can be examined from other angles such as religious authority. This paper delves into the concept of religious authority and the dependency of religion and people on a religious authority in the words of Amir al-Mu'minin (AS), based on Nahj al-Balaghah, which is primarily compiled with eloquence and rhetoric. According to the narrations in Nahj al-Balaghah, humanity is dependent on an individual who is aware of God's will and understands the needs of His creatures to attain perfection in this world and the hereafter.Therefore, it is necessary for such an individual to possess specific qualities and a unique position. This research explores the necessity of a religious authority, the implications and consequences of belief in such an authority, the various reasons for needing a religious authority, the acquisition of knowledge, guidance, and the resolution of disputes. The prerequisites for being a religious authority include possessing knowledge, infallibility, leadership, authority, succession, the right to be obeyed, and testimony. Furthermore, the research delves into the duties involved in the interaction between a religious authority and the people.

One of the approaches that has received special attention from researchers in recent centuries is musicality of Quran. After the Quran, Nahjul-Balaghah is renowned for its eloquence, rhetoric, and aesthetic beauty, including the impactful music of its words. This article musicality of Nahj al-Balaghah phrases, focusing on the process of word combination and arrangement and its impact on conveying meaning. The musicality of Nahj al-Balaghah phrases in this article is the external harmony and melody that arises from the beautiful juxtaposition of words, resulting from the dominance of specific letters or groups of letters over consonants and vowels, combined with the inclusion of literary and rhetorical devices. This article, being a fundamental research, employs an inductive and library-based method for data collection, and qualitative analysis for data processing. The most important findings of this research indicate that musicality of Nahj al-Balaghah phrases has different effects and semantic implications, including provocation and incitement, creation of an atmosphere of influence and profound lessons, intensity of popular acceptance, the heaviness of expressing the truth despite worthiness, the evocation of constant fear and terror, the softness of invitation and admonition, clarity and distinctness, reinforcement of feelings of hatred, the intensity of anxiety and distress present in society, and separation and distance.

Human beings, throughout their evolutionary journey, can have three states: complete, healthy, and incomplete. A healthy individual is characterized by a mind that is the seat of thought, a heart that is the seat of emotion and affection, and behaviors that are geared towards interacting with the external world. A harmonious interplay between these three aspects defines a complete and healthy human. Any disruption or imbalance in this equilibrium can result in cognitive and behavioral anomalies, rendering the individual incomplete or deficient. In this study, using a descriptive-analytical method, the components and characteristics of a healthy human being in the three dimensions of spirit, heart, and behavior are briefly stated in the context of Nahjul-Balaghah, and the ways and methods of promoting human spirituality and religious beliefs are extracted and analyzed from the perspective of Imam Ali (AS). It has also become clear that if someone reaches the identity of their healthy personality, due to having insight and attitude in the field of cognition and knowledge, he possess characteristics that affect his other two parts, namely the heart and behavior. Such a human being can serve as role models for others, fostering spirituality and promoting mental health in others.

Among different nations throughout history, leadership is considered a fundamental necessity for human social needs. Because the strength of society is based on three elements: law, leaders, and society. Different forms of government emerge based on varying foundations of leadership, particularly in terms of lawmaking, the selection of leaders, and societal responsibilities. This article delves into the geometry of leadership selection as outlined in Nahj al-Balaghah, as a socio-political constitution. The criteria for selecting a leader are derived from the duties and objectives of governance, which include enforcing divine laws and guiding society towards both worldly and spiritual perfection and happiness.The findings of this research identify knowledge, capability, and justice as the three pillars and foundation of all governmental duties. These three attributes serve as the determining factors for a leader who is most knowledgeable, capable, and just. This criterion applies to all levels of governance, from the highest to the lowest positions. The most prominent of these three foundations is specialized knowledge of divine laws, particularly the knowledge of managing society based on Sharia. The leader's superior knowledge of divine laws is a necessary condition, and the authority of his leadership over the rest of society is, in fact, the authority and dominion of knowledge and science. For knowledge is the foundation of accurately discerning right from wrong, and the spirit of justice is the factor in placing everything in its proper place. Moreover, knowledge is the primary foundation for the leader's progress, advancement, and ability. This article employs a descriptive-analytical method to examine the foundations of determining a leader from the perspective of Nahj al-Balaghah.