Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

A Content Analysis of the Features of Ideal Governance from an Islamic Perspective: A Case Study of Nahj al-Balagha

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ahmad Hakimi Gilani 1
Ali Akhtar Shahr 2
Mahmood Ebrahimi Verkiani 3
1 PhD student, Department of Political Science, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
10.22034/jis.2024.344303.1809
Abstract
This study examines the characteristics of ideal governance from the perspective of Islam based on the book Nahj al-Balagha of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). The research question revolves around identifying the characteristics of ideal governance from an Islamic perspective, and in response, the hypothesis is tested that the features of ideal governance in Islam rely on the ideal nature of the political and social system and the protection of public interests. The research methodology involves a documentary data collection method, content analysis, and is inspired by the theoretical literature on ideal governance. The statistical population of this study consists of the book Nahj al-Balagha, and the sample includes all letters and sayings, with a total of 79 letters and 480 sayings being analyzed. The findings indicate that the rule of law, importance of consensus, transparency, accountability, equality and inclusivity, effectiveness and efficiency, responsibility, political stability, and strategic vision are among the characteristics of ideal governance, which are discussed in various forms and to varying extents in Islam. Additionally, there is a meaningful relationship between the type of governance in Islam and the characteristics of ideal governance.
Keywords
Ideal governance
Imam Ali
people
government
Nahj al-Balagha
Subjects
Nahj al-Balagha.
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