Ethical politics or political ethics in Nahj al-Balaghah: the possibility or refusal

The relationship between ethics and politics is one of the important issues in the history of political thought. Here is the fundamental question: “Is power and It's retention Important?”vice versa“Are values and moral principles important?”This article examines the approach of Imam Ali( p.h) to this issue on the documentary-analytical method in Nahj al-Balaghah. The scope of study is all sermons, letters, and sayings which have a political and ethical themes.Research findings show that justice, freedom, rights and law are fundamental values in Alavi government and critical thinking, power controlling, collective rationality, tolerance and public awareness are of the important factors in providing these components.In contrast, oppression, despotism, and arbitrary behaviors are anti social and political values. the most important contexts of them are: flattery, power abuse, oppression, poverty of knowledge, and irrationality.The final conclusion of this study consist of these statements: 1. The improvement of the relationship between state and people and the political and social stability depend on the realization of the first parts of these dualities.2. The negative aspects of these dualities, threaten and destabilize the society.3. The goal of the government should be improving moral principles.4. The use of collective rationality and human experience in governance are of the fundamental principles. 5. The victory of immoral politics is a sign of the destruction of politics and society.