Imam Ali ΄s Studies

Humanity Between the Ideal, Fiṭrah, and the Real: Formulating a Tripartite Anthropological Model in Nahj al-Balāghah

Document Type : .

Author

ahmad gharaee

Member of the academic faculty of the Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences of Vali Asr Rafsanjan University

10.30465/alavi.2026.53875.2792
Abstract
This study aims to explain the anthropological model presented in Nahj al-Balagha by examining Imam Ali’s (AS) perspective and discourse regarding the nature, position, and functions of human beings. The research employs a descriptive-analytical approach based on systematic qualitative content analysis of sermons, letters, and wisdom sayings of Nahj al-Balagha. The findings indicate that Imam Ali’s (AS) anthropology cannot be confined to one of the common models of biological, philosophical, ethical, or religious anthropology. Instead, it presents a three-dimensional model consisting of: first, the ideal and desirable human being; second, the human being with innate and ontological characteristics; and third, the human being within social and historical realities. This model demonstrates that Alavi anthropology is neither merely descriptive nor exclusively idealistic; rather, it is a guidance-oriented, realistic, and teleological framework that seeks individual and social reform. The study concludes that Nahj al-Balagha provides a comprehensive understanding of human beings in which accurate knowledge of human nature serves as a foundation for ethical improvement, justice, and the achievement of individual and collective prosperity.

Keywords

Nahj al-Balāgha
Anthropology
Three-Dimensional Model
Imam ʿAli (AS)
"Human nature," "the ideal human," "the human in reality"

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