Discernment Factors from Imam Ali's Viewpoint

In fact discernment is the result of pinpoint review of all different aspects of an issue and providing a specific discernment about the issue to evaluate it realistically and deeply, so that one would not be doubtful about it. In Imam Ali’s view, discernment with such a deep concept is so elevated. He believes that humankind value highly depends on his discernment. In the meantime, he states that in case faith is accompanied with discernment beam, it can be useful for real believers. With respect to the elevated position of discernment, the present article aims at reaching the principles and factors contributing to establishment of discernment through investigating Imam Ali’s sayings, because acquiring these characteristics which play an important role in human’s destiny is definitely the result of habits penetrated into deep layers of human being’s entity. The result of the research leads the researcher access various fundamentals, of which piety, austerity, reflection and taking lessons are the most important. Piety is in direct relationship with acquiring deep understanding. Unless one sticks to divine guidance, he will not be able to avoid risks and cliffs ahead of him. Therefore, relying on God helps abstinent individuals to benefit from God’s guidance. Austerity is another important factor contributing to discernment. Being fond of the world and being so dependent on it leads one to ignore the reality of the life and disregard all its defects. Thinking paves the road to reach discernment and being guided by God. In case discernment is considered as reaching such a level of understanding to ignore commonplace elements of life but concentrate on it deeply; undoubtedly, taking lessons from our ancestors’ experiences can help us achieve the target.