Imam Ali ΄s Studies

The relationship between Islamic tradition and modernity,( with an emphasis on political modernity), focusing on the intellectual foundations and political viewpoint of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) in Nahjul-Balagha

Document Type : .

Authors

Morteza Alavian 1
Ahmad jahaninasab 2

1 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Mazandaran

2 Postdoctoral researcher

10.30465/alavi.2025.51569.2714
Abstract
The “theory of the state” has always been considered as one of the most important topics of political thought. The main question is: With what theoretical basis can the nature of the state in Nahj al-Balagha be explained by relying on the concept of justice in the Islamic tradition in terms of its origin and specific function and its relationship with [Islamic] modernism? Therefore, the article is discussed with the hypothesis that in Islam and its classical texts, religion and the state have always had an organic connection with each other. The divine caliph of man as an intermediary agent on earth justifies the explanation of the nature of the state in the modern era in a special way and redefines the new specific functions of religion that must be realized by believers in the context of modernity. Such a view brings Islam closer to modernity with the reading mentioned in the article. The Alawi state has an organic concept with a maximum structure. The origin of the state is divine dignity and popular acceptance, which is manifested as a single entity in the system of governorship, and it also explains the totality of the relationships between its components, its specific function, and its structure. Justice, according to Ali (AS), has an inherent authenticity and value and is interpreted as public policy that organizes affairs. The article uses the descriptive-analytical method and the hermeneutic model of textualist stealth of Leo Strauss.

Keywords

Imam Ali (AS)
Justice
Nahj al-Balagha
Concept of State
Special Function of State
Islamic Modernism
Human Caliph of God

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