Analysis of Imam Ali's Attitude in letter 31 of Nahj-ul-Balagha Towards the World and its Blessings Based on Quranic Evidences

Having spent a hard time upon returning from Safin battle, Imam Ali (AS) penned the letter 31 for his son Imam Hasan (AS) in a place named as Hazerin. This letter, which is the result of his experience abounding with so many ups and downs in his religious and socio-political life, is one of priceless treasures of Alavi. An excerpt from this invaluable letter expresses his attitude towards the world and also benefiting from the blessings and sustenance of God. This depicts his monotheistic view towards life and real asceticism in the form of some expressions and phrases containing utmost rhetoric and eloquence. In his perspective, the relationship between man and the world is based on staying away from worldliness which leads man to achieve dignity through shunning sensual desires. Such a belief is aroused from the depth of Imam Ali’s attitude towards Qur’anic teachings in which the concept of God as the sole supplier of sustenance and provision, man's attempts to gain sustenance and most importantly his attainment of God’s blessings and grace receives a high status. In this regard, to present Imam Ali’s outlook and to illustrate the strong influence of Qur’anic teachings on this view, some evidence from verses of Qur’an, the narrations of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and the infallible Imams have been used throughout the discussion.